Published on August 21, 2025 by Catherine Smith  

Laura Bright, Reid Cummings, Joshua WhiteºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s Brock School of Business will welcome three new full-time faculty members this fall whose expertise and passion for teaching will strengthen business programs and enhance the student experience.

Laura Bright joins Brock School of Business as instructor of business, teaching in the Department of Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Management. She earned her Master of Arts in journalism from the University of Alabama and her Bachelor of Arts in English from Birmingham-Southern College. Her professional career spans more than 20 years in strategic marketing, communications, business development and sales across industries including commercial architecture, real estate development, health care, sports, media, retail and nonprofit organizations.

Bright said her path to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøbegan in an unexpected way. “Actually, Brock School of Business chose me. It began when Dr. Darin White walked into Whole Foods Market with a group of students from a World of Business class. I was the marketing director at the time and Whole Foods was a case study in the textbook they were using. He asked me to come speak to his class, and the journey has continued now for some 18 years. I've stayed because being at Brock School of Business brings me joy every single day.”

In reflection on joining the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøcommunity, she added, “It's magical, isn’t it? There are the iconic parts of Samford, of course — lush green lawns, iconic architecture and the chiming of bells every quarter hour. The real magic is in the talent; the faculty at large with their varied interests and passions, the energy of the students and the opportunity to serve one another in a common goal of providing a faith-based education to generations of students. It's a privilege and an honor.”

Reid Cummings joins as the Lucille Ryals Thompson Endowed Chair of Real Estate and real estate program coordinator. He comes to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøfrom the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business where he served as a highly accomplished real estate professor and scholar. He also led the South Alabama Business Analytics, Real Estate and Economic Development Center.

In his role, Cummings will provide leadership for the real estate concentration and the Fairway Investments Commercial Real Estate Lab, among other initiatives. He will also lead the charge in establishing a real estate advisory board to professionals and experts in the field that will collaborate with the business school to advise on curriculum and programming as well as mentor students interested in real estate careers. 

“I chose Brock School of Business because of the people,” said Cummings. “Without question, many things caught my attention. I saw just what everyone can see for themselves: world-class curriculum, and impressive programming and facilities. Spending time with and learning from the many people I have met and continue to meet has been brilliant. Everyone is clearly proud of where they work and genuinely welcoming to newcomers. I’m just very happy to join ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøas the new Lucille Ryals Thompson Endowed Professor of Real Estate."

Joshua White joins as assistant professor of entrepreneurship and strategic management, Department of Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Management. In addition to his academic work, he brings hands-on experience as a nonprofit founder and corporate finance professional. White has published 15 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Journal of Business ResearchSmall Business Economics and Journal of Small Business Management. His research examines how the personality traits and values of business leaders influence outcomes and how organizations can foster entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Before joining Samford, White served as program manager for the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute at The University of Alabama and as an assistant professor of management at the University of Dayton. He has led accelerator programs for student entrepreneurs and coached growing small businesses. White earned his PhD in entrepreneurship and strategic management from The University of Alabama.

“As a Birmingham native, I have always deeply admired ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its mission and impact," said White. "My sister was married at Reid Chapel, and I spent many days on Samford’s campus as a middle and high school student, taking part in the Birmingham Area Debate League. From a very young age, my primary goal was to attend ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø as a student. That dream never came to pass, but it is truly the greatest professional honor to join ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøas a faculty member. I genuinely admire the campus, culture and community!”

Brock School of Business looks forward to the leadership, insight and mentorship these new faculty members will bring to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøcommunity, helping maintain and build on the school’s national recognition, including its No. 8 ranking in the nation for career preparation by The Wall Street Journal in 2024.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøis a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøis the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøenrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøfields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.