Big moves for Samford: A new campus in Costa Rica and local center for faith + learning

A lot of exciting things are happening in Samford University’s world, and we love having a front-row seat to it.

On the heels of Samford’s $85 million Recreation and Wellness Center and new residence halls, the university announced its purchase of a new Latin America Study Campus in Costa Rica, and a Center for Faith and Learning.

Keep reading for more info on the projects.

Samford expands global footprint in Costa Rica

(Samford University)

One of my only regrets as a Samford student was not studying abroad. My friends who got the opportunity to go to London, Colombia and more came back with the best stories.

Now… my jealousy just keeps growing. On August 18, Samford University announced that they were growing its global footprint with a 10,000 square-foot home in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Finca de Samford—translated to “Samford Estate”—is the university’s recently acquired international study center.

This purchase was made possible after the sale of property Samford owns on the north side of campus.

If you don’t already know, Samford owns the beloved “Daniel House” in London, where students get to call home while they study across the pond. While students and faculty love the Daniel House, Finca de Samford will offer a distinct appeal to others.

“Daniel House is in the heart of Kensington. This is on an estate in the hills overlooking Ciudad Colón, abutting a national forest and a coffee plantation. So this process of creating another immersive experience required us having malleable minds and asking what we could do differently, what we could do better.”

Colin Coyne, Vice President for finance, business affairs and strategy, Samford University

Anticipating a capacity of 10-20 students and an on-site residence director, the administration has plans to welcome the “pilot group” of students in the spring of 2026.

New globally-renowned center for faith and learning

A few days before the Finca de Samford news dropped, the university announced plans to build a center for faith and learning, funded by an $11 million endowment from the late Samford alumnus Marvin Mann.

Led by a task force composed of Samford faculty members and national thought leaders, the Mann Institute for Christian Faith and Learning aspires to “create world-class theological programming that integrates a commitment to faith in Jesus Christ within the pursuit of academic excellence.”

The task force will study the current practices in faith learning and create programming for the Mann Institute to meet the needs of Samford and faith-based higher education communities.

“Once the task force’s recommendations have been compiled, Samford will conduct a national search for the institute’s leadership.

Given the resources Samford will direct toward this new initiative, the Mann Institute will immediately be one of the largest university centers for faith-learning study and work in the world.”

Beck Taylor, President, Samford University in a press release

What do you think of these major updates from Samford University? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!