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SBC DIGEST: Andrew Westmoreland to retire from Samford; B&H acquires author Amy Gannett

[1]

Andrew Westmoreland announces retirement from Samford

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) Samford University President Andrew Westmoreland, who has led the institution since 2006, will retire from the presidency effective June 30, 2021. The official announcement to Samford’s Board of Trustees was made at a called meeting on Thursday (Aug. 27). Westmoreland shared the news with students, employees and alumni in an email Friday (Aug. 28 [2]).

[3]In the message he wrote, “I’ve said so often that, despite my many flaws, I am a better person because of my association with Samford. Jeanna and I agree that serving here is the greatest honor of our lives.”

Westmoreland’s tenure as Samford’s president has been marked by enrollment growth, new and enhanced campus facilities and a growing national reputation for academic quality. Since 2006, enrollment has increased by almost 30 percent, and the university has seen 11 consecutive years of growth. More than 30 new or enhanced academic programs have been added at the undergraduate and graduate level, including many in the College of Health Sciences, established in 2013. The university has raised more than $400 million in philanthropic gifts and has invested approximately $100 million in its physical plant and campus. The university has compiled a timeline [4] of key milestones and achievements during his presidency.

Samford also continued gains in its reputational standing among higher education institutions, being recognized as one of the best Christian universities in the country in national rankings for teaching quality, value and affordability. Among these recognitions, the university is ranked third nationally for student engagement and first in the state of Alabama in a national ranking published by the Wall Street Journal.

“As we begin this transition in the university’s leadership, it is important to remember Samford is stronger today than at any time in its 179-year history,” Samford Board of Trustees Chair Bill Stevens said. “We all are immensely grateful for the tremendous service of President Westmoreland.”

Read the full story here [5].

[6]


B&H acquires writer and Bible teacher Amy Gannett

NASHVILLE (BP) — B&H Publishing is proud to announce its acquisition of writer and Bible teacher Amy Gannett for an adult trade book and several children’s board books.

[7]Gannett’s adult trade book, tentatively titled “Fix Your Eyes” and set for publication in September 2021, will walk believers through key theological concepts and show how each can be lived out in a daily life of discipleship.

“Our pursuit of worshiping God has to be founded on our knowledge of Him,” Gannett said. “Our worship needs to have deep roots in the Word of God. And the more we learn about Him, the more we should find within ourselves a worshipful posture of humble surrender and obedience.”

An experienced leader and teacher, Gannett has created a variety of resources for believers. She is the founder of Tiny Theologians, which offers training tools that will help parents and children’s ministries pass on the Christian faith to the next generation.

Read the full story here [8].