BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The following area residents graduated from Samford University during spring commencement on May 14, 2011:

Thomas Matthew Little of Bay Minette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree .

Maggie Dansby Smith of Bay Minette earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree .

Samford University is consistently ranked in the top tier of its peer group by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1841, it is the largest private university in Alabama with more than 4,700 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled annually.

The university offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in eight schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, law, nursing and pharmacy. Samford attracts students from around the world and has an extensive international studies program.

Samford also is consistently recognized nationally as an exceptional value, with top academic programs and affordable tuition and fees. Samford competes in NCAA Division I athletics in the historic Southern Conference.