On March 1, Samford will be welcoming Dr. Eric Motley to campus to talk about his life working in the White House and about his book, “Madison Park: A Place of Hope.”
Motley is one of the prestigious authors in the Corts Distinguished Author presentation. The goal of the program is to bring a variety of people to campus to talk about their experiences as well as their works. The process begins with Marla Courts herself, and ends with invitations being sent to the authors.
“Sometimes the fee prevents us from getting them, but we always check them out,” said teacher educaton department alumni relations coordinator Kathy Acton.
Faculty are excited for this upcoming event, especially because Motley will be the first Samford alumnus in the series. Motley recieved his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Samford University, and his Ph. D. in International Relations at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. After graduating, Motley worked for a period of time as a special assistant to George W. Bush, and as the Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel. In 2007, Motley joined the Aspen Institute, and has had numerous prestigious jobs there; he was the Vice President and Managing Director of the Henry Crown Fellowship Program, Executive Director of National Programs and the Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary. His book, “Madison Park: A Place of Hope,” was published in 2017.
“His book was featured in Oprah’s Top Ten books,” said Sara Roman, a Marketing and Communication Coordinator at Samford. “It’s cool for students to think ‘this could be one of us in the future.’”
“He is incredibly accomplished, but he never forgets where he came from and who helped him on the way. He’s incredibly humble,” said Acton.
Motley’s speech will be worth one convo credit, but students are encouraged to come and listen to him anyway. Admission to these events is always free to students, but thanks to the generous donations of the people sponsoring the talk, admission is free to all.
Faculty who know Motley said that the experience of seeing a successful Samford graduate speak will be encouraging to students who are unsure of their future, even if they feel comfortable with their field.
“This is one of us” University Advancement Officer Sheri Ransome, “This was his launching pad.”
Mckenzi Marlow, Features Writer
