Beck Taylor
Beck A. Taylor (born c. 1969) is the 19th President of Samford University, having succeeded Andrew Westmoreland on July 1, 2021.
Taylor grew up in Houston, Texas and earned his bachelor's degree in economics and finance at Baylor University in Waco. He worked as an analyst for Anderson Consulting in Houston. He completed a master of science and PhD in economics at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. After that he returned to Baylor as dean for research and faculty development for the Hankamer School of Business. In 2002 he completed a one-year residency at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Taylor was the dean of Samford's Brock School of Business from 2005 and 2010, where he established an honors program and eight new academic programs. He left to serve as the inaugural W. H. Smith Professor of Economics and as president of Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. He oversaw successful fundraising, infrastructure, and faculty development efforts.
Taylor was chosen to succeed Westmoreland after a national search with more than 80 nominations. His inauguration ceremony was held on November 4, 2021.
Beck and his wife, Julie, have three children: Zach, Lauren, and Chloe. He is a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church.
| Preceded by: Andrew Westmoreland |
President of Samford University 2021– |
Succeeded by: current |
References
- "Beck A. Taylor Named 19th President of Samford University." (March 10, 2021) The Alabama Baptist
- Patchen, Tyler (March 10, 2021) "Samford University hires familiar face as new president." Birmingham Business Journal