Yet, but the trustees’ own rule, all trustees must be members of Baptist churches and 75% from Alabama.[2] Samford is a collaborative partner of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.[42] In August 2020, Westmoreland announced he would retire on June 30, 2021.[43] On March 10, 2021, it was announced that he will be succeeded by Whitworth University president Beck A. Taylor.[44] Taylor took office on July 1, 2021.