Samford University has named Beck A. Taylor, a former Samford business dean and current president of Whitworth University, as its 19th president.
Taylor, 51, was elected at a special meeting of Samford’s board of trustees on Tuesday following a six-month national search. Taylor succeeds Andrew Westmoreland, who is retiring after serving as president since 2006.
“We could not be more pleased with the appointment of Beck Taylor,” said William J. Stevens, chairman of the Samford board. “He brings an exceptional record of academic leadership, demonstrated success in fundraising and a personal commitment to Samford. We unanimously and confidently agree that President-elect Taylor possesses the experience, strategic vision and alignment with our values to continue building Samford’s reputation as a leading Christian university.”
Taylor was dean and professor of economics for Samford’s Brock School of Business from 2005 to 2010.
“I am profoundly honored and excited to return to Samford University and to follow my good friend, Andy Westmoreland,” said Taylor, who will be inaugurated in the fall. “Samford is a crown jewel in Christian higher education and is committed to pursuing excellence at the intersection of faith and learning.”
Taylor and his wife, Julie, have three children.
