Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Philip Kimrey has recently announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Kimrey has served Samford since 1993 in various positions, including Director of Admissions and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid. Kimrey was named Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management in June 2009.
When asked about Kimrey’s time at Samford, University President Beck Taylor said Kimrey has had a tremendous impact on Samford and its campus life.
“Through his direct service to our enrollment management team and student affairs area, to his expansive impact on the life and mission of Samford, this place is better because of Dr. Kimrey’s faithful leadership,” Taylor said.
Both Kimrey and Taylor have led worship together for incoming students and their families at Bulldog Days.
“I always appreciate how Dr. Kimrey encourages parents and family members to trust God with their students at Samford. He has had a significant pastoral impact on our community,” Taylor said.
Taylor described leading Bulldog Days worship as one of his favorite memories with Kimrey.
As for Kimrey, he said that he has too many great memories to count during his time of service, but traditions like New Student Move-in, Connections, Family Weekend, Step Sing, Commencement, and traveling with students to Israel are all highlights.
“But above all, it’s the personal relationships and conversations with Samford students, parents, and employees that I treasure most,” Kimrey said.
Kimrey said that he always enjoys seeing the celebration of accomplishments by students with their families, and that the encouragement of Samford students is critical to their success. He also hopes that his leadership and personal involvement have enhanced students’ experience at Samford, and that the actions of he and his staff have created opportunities for students to further their relationship with Christ.
Since Kimrey’s hiring in 1993, Samford has undergone many changes — and so has Kimrey himself.
Kimrey said that his perspective has become one of “ever-increasing appreciation for the collaboration on campus and a true thankfulness for a career here.”
As for changes at Samford, he said that they have occurred because he and the Samford staff were intentional in their plans, approach, and efforts to improve the university. Kimrey said that even through these changes, Samford’s core values have remained constant.
After retiring, Kimrey plans to spend plenty of time with his daughters and their families, who are living outside Alabama. He also hopes to enjoy his hobbies and gain some new ones.
Concerning the Vice President for Student Affairs position, President Taylor said that he has formed a search committee representing many areas of campus, including students. The committee will work together with Carter Baldwin, a national search firm, to seek and screen applicants, with Taylor making the final decision over who will be hired. Taylor said the pool of candidates for the position will remain confidential until very late in the search process.
Taylor said that in the Spring, Samford will have many opportunities to show appreciation to Dr. Kimrey, and that Kimrey is committed to finishing his responsibilities to the university and its students.
Staff Reporter
