FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUNTSVILLE, AL — Oakwood University and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law are proud to announce the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a new Accelerated Law Degree Program. This academic partnership will provide Oakwood students with a unique opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) in just six years, instead of the traditional seven.
A public ceremony to formally recognize the agreement will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Oakwood University. University leaders, faculty, students, and members of the legal and academic community will be present to commemorate this milestone in higher education collaboration. “This is going to be a great avenue for our students to pursue law,” said Dr. Leslie Pollard, President of Oakwood University. “It demonstrates our commitment to opening new doors of opportunity and preparing our students for impactful careers in law, public service, and leadership.”
Through this 3+3 program, eligible Oakwood University students may apply to transfer to Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law after completing three years of undergraduate coursework. Upon acceptance, their first year of law school will also count as their final undergraduate year at Oakwood, allowing them to complete both degrees in a reduced timeframe.
“This Memorandum of Understanding between Oakwood University and Samford University confirms the intentions of the two institutions to create a cooperative accelerated law degree program,” said Dr. Blake Hudson, Dean of Cumberland School of Law. “Students may earn both a bachelor’s degree from Oakwood and a Juris Doctor degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in six years of study.”
The MOU aligns with both institutions’ goals of increasing educational access and providing innovative academic pathways that meet the needs of today’s students. Oakwood University, a private historically Black Seventh-day Adventist university, and Samford University, a leading Christian institution located in Birmingham, Alabama, see this agreement as a bold step toward expanding diversity and representation in the legal profession. Media are invited to attend the April 29 ceremony. Interviews with university leadership and program representatives will be available following the event.
Media are invited to attend the April 29 ceremony. Interviews with university leadership and program representatives will be available following the event.
