Samford University will officially observe Good Friday as a university holiday beginning in spring 2027, giving students and employees a four-day Easter weekend.
The decision follows an administrative review of the university calendar and reflects Samford’s commitment to its Christian mission.
“Over the years, I’ve personally desired to see Samford recognize Good Friday in addition to Easter Monday giving students four days to travel and celebrate with family and friends,” Samford President Dr. Beck Taylor said.
According to Taylor, the decision was made following a review by university vice presidents and academic deans, who evaluated the feasibility of adding another holiday to the academic calendar.
“Adding Good Friday as a university holiday was not only workable, but it also reinforced Samford’s Christ-centered educational mission,” Taylor said.
Taylor noted that adding university holidays requires careful consideration of academic contact hours, accreditation requirements, university operations and event schedules. Despite these logistical challenges, the administration determined that the change could be implemented in time for the upcoming Easter holiday.
The announcement has received positive feedback from the Samford community, with Taylor reporting dozens of emails and other communications from students, employees and parents expressing appreciation for the decision.
Samford student, Calvin Van Heest said the additional holiday provides an opportunity for students to recognize the religious significance of Good Friday alongside Easter Sunday.
“We put so much of an emphasis on Easter, but what people don’t understand is that Easter could not have happened without the atoning work of Jesus on the cross,” Van Heest said. “One cannot happen without the other, and we should not celebrate one without recognizing the other.”
For Van Heest, who is from St. Louis, the four-day weekend also makes traveling home for Easter celebrations more practical. With a full day of driving required to return home, having both Friday and Monday off allows him to attend Good Friday services and celebrate Easter Sunday with his family.
“Good Friday is normally one of my favorite church services of the year,” Van Heest said. “It is always somber and reminds me of my Savior’s death that he bore for me.”
While the administration periodically receives requests to recognize other holidays, including Veterans Day, Taylor said there are currently no plans to add Veterans Day as a university holiday. Instead, Samford will continue its annual Veterans Day observance at Sherman Circle on Nov. 11.
Good Friday will be the first holiday added to Samford’s official university calendar since 2022, when the university began recognizing Juneteenth.
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