91¹û¶³’s Core Texts program recently received international recognition when Matthew Burford, MDiv ’07, DMin ’16, was invited to present at the University of Oxford, where he highlighted the distinctive value of Samford’s approach to teaching classic works.
Burford, who serves as an adjunct professor in Samford’s Core Texts program, delivered a response to renowned scholar Iain McGilchrist during the event, hosted by Pusey House at the invitation of the Danube Institute.
“Presenting at Oxford was both a joy and an honor,” Burford said. “It was especially meaningful because I had the opportunity to respond to Dr. McGilchrist, whose work has been deeply influential in my own thinking.”
In his remarks, Burford emphasized the formative role of classical texts in shaping thoughtful, engaged students and sustaining Christian institutions of higher education.
“Samford represents a model of Christian higher education that takes faith, learning and human formation seriously, and Core Texts is one expression of that vision,” he said.
Samford’s Core Texts program is a foundational component of the university’s general education curriculum, centered on the study of influential works from across history and disciplines. The program encourages students to engage primary texts, develop critical thinking skills and explore enduring questions through a Christian lens.
Annie DeVries, director of Core Texts, said Burford’s invitation reflects both his individual strengths and the broader impact of the program.
“Matt stands out in his ability to connect and communicate the value of Core Texts to so many audiences,” DeVries said. “His comments about the value of this kind of education to helping build and sustain Christian institutions strikes at the heart of why Core Texts is a Samford distinctive. He is a true ambassador of what we do and we are so grateful to have him here.”
In addition to his teaching role, Burford serves in a variety of ways that reflect Samford’s commitment to faith and service. A graduate of Beeson Divinity School, he is also the founder of Real Taps for Real Heroes, an organization that connects volunteer musicians to provide live performances of taps at military funerals, honoring veterans and supporting their families.
Burford said the experience reinforced the broader significance of Samford’s educational mission.
“In a distracted age, helping students read carefully, ask deep questions and grow in wisdom and attentiveness matters greatly,” he said. “To speak in that setting while reflecting on ideas that have shaped me personally was a reminder that the formation Samford offers is both timely and significant.”
The recognition underscores Samford’s commitment to integrating faith and learning while equipping students with the intellectual tools needed to engage complex issues in a global context.
As interest in classical education continues to grow, Samford’s Core Texts program remains a distinctive element of the university’s mission to cultivate wisdom, faith and service among its students.
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