Samford University plans to accommodate growing student population with new housing units

The Homewood Planning Commission meeting on May 6, 2025, spotlighted significant developments at Samford University, where a surge in student enrollment is prompting a push for more on-campus housing. University officials revealed that the current student population stands at approximately 6,200, with projections indicating an increase to around 6,300 by the fall semester. This growth is attributed to a steady rise in enrollment over the past 15 years, with recent years seeing an uptick of 100 to 200 students annually.

Key to accommodating this growth is the completion of new housing that will add 650 beds, aimed at meeting the university's residency requirement that mandates 75% of undergraduate students live on campus. Currently, the university is falling short of this goal, with estimates suggesting only about 68% of students will be housed on campus after the new facilities open.

Officials emphasized the traffic benefits of bringing more students back to campus. With many students currently commuting, the new housing is expected to significantly reduce daily traffic on local streets, particularly Lakeshore Drive. The traffic study presented at the meeting highlighted that fewer cars on the road would lead to a more manageable flow in the area.

Jeff Polishek, the university's AVP for construction and operations, noted that the additional housing would not only help accommodate the growing student body but also enhance campus life with new food and retail options. As the university continues to expand, officials remain focused on balancing growth with the need for adequate on-campus facilities to support student life and reduce congestion in the surrounding community.