The choice to transfer schools is not typically one made in a rush. And yet, just a year and a half ago, students from Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) were forced to do just that. When BSC closed its doors, Samford found itself with 151 students who made the choice to transfer here.
In aims to smooth the transition for these displaced students as much as possible, Samford pledged to match tuition, accept previously earned credits and waive various requirements and fees associated with the transfer process.
As much as the transition was eased in an administrative sense, the move was also the cause of great social upheaval for these students.
“We didn’t want to wear it as something hanging over our head to consider us more of a BSC transfer than a Samford student,” said Langston Strawbridge, a graduate of Samford’s May 2025 class. “We didn’t want to be categorized as one of the BSC transfers. We wanted to, at the end of the day, be a Samford student, who just came from BSC.”
So, these students got involved. They reaffiliated with Samford chapters of their Greek life organizations, took part in SGA proceedings and plugged in everywhere they were able.
“I think I had a slightly more positive experience … just because I did plug myself in to quite a bit,” said Nadia Fokkens, a current senior. “So, for me, at least, I was keeping myself busy, but it was definitely difficult.”
But at the same time, even as they found a foothold in Samford life, the students wanted to retain the identity of the college that continues to hold such a special place in their hearts. They didn’t want it to define their entire Samford experience, but they did want to acknowledge that shared history.
“I’ve heard from my friends that are at other schools where, like, this whole Birmingham-Southern thing, they kind of try to sweep it under the rug, or they won’t really mention it. It’s almost like a taboo topic,” said Olivia Ruble, another May 2025 graduate. “And so, I really appreciate that Samford almost is proud, with us, of our school.”
With the help of the university, last semester’s graduates were even able to incorporate Birmingham-Southern into their graduation. They were able to coordinate a class photo in front of the BSC belltower and ring the bell on BSC’s campus. Additionally, they were able to wear gold Birmingham-Southern stoles with their Samford graduation gowns in acknowledgement of the time spent at both schools.
“Samford did a ton for us,” Strawbridge said. “They accommodated us and, you know, they took a risk for us and that did not go unnoticed. They gave us a place to call home when we didn’t have a home.”
The transfer of so many Birmingham-Southern students also led to the foundation of the Bulldog Bridge, an organization intended to assist all of Samford’s transfer students in adjusting to life on campus. Strawbridge was the president before he graduated, and Fokkens remains involved in the organization to this day.
“We can look back and say, we played a part in that,” said Strawbridge. “And we not only survived our years, but we made the most of it.”
Staff Reporter
