Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University: A Legacy of Service and Academic Excellence
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M or AAMU) stands as a public historically black land-grant university in Normal, Alabama, a part of Huntsville. Founded in 1875, AAMU has a rich history of providing educational opportunities and contributing to the state and region. AAMU is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
From Normal School to University: The Early Years
The institution's journey began with a vision to educate African American teachers. Teacher and schoolmaster William Hooper Councill won approval for his plan for the Huntsville State Normal School for Negroes, established by an act of the Alabama State Legislature in 1875. Councill, born into slavery and sold on the auction block at the age of nine, would become a newspaper founder, become active in politics, study law, and eventually become the first principal and president of the institution.
The school opened on May 1, 1875, at a church on Eustis Street, with instruction for 61 teaching students overseen by Principal Councill, assisted by Rev. Alfred Hunt. It was one of about 180 "normal schools" founded by state governments in the 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. It was also one of 23 established to train African Americans to teach in segregated schools. In 1881, the faculty pooled money from their salaries to purchase two and a half acres (1.0 ha) on West Clinton Street.
The institution underwent several name changes, reflecting its evolving mission and curriculum. In 1885, with around 180 students, the school became the State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville, after the earlier addition of programs for sewing, printing, carpentry, mattress making and gardening. By 1890, the school site became known as Normal, Alabama, and a post office was established. The institution was designated as a land-grant college through legislative enactment under the terms of the Morrill Act of 1890. In 1896, its name was changed to The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes. In 1919, the school became the State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute for Negroes. In 1948 it was renamed the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College. Finally, in 1969, it took its present name: Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.
A Land-Grant Mission: Education and Service
As a land-grant university, Alabama A&M carries on work stipulated by the Morrill Acts 1862 and 1890. The institution is committed to extension and public service, reflecting its dedication to the community. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established The Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
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Academic Growth and Development
AAMU became fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1963. The university comprises the schools of Graduate Studies and Extended Education, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Engineering and Technology. It offers a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. University College provides services for new students.
The new millennium saw significant developments, including the construction of the West Campus Complex, the erection of the 21,000-seat Louis Crews Stadium, the renovations of buildings, and the moving of athletic programs up to NCAA Division I and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The School of Engineering and Technology facility was built in 2002, and the Ph.D. program in Reading and Literacy was established.
Campus and Facilities
The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Historic District, also known as Normal Hill College Historic District, has 28 buildings and four structures listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places. The campus grounds were designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm. The J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center was renovated, adding almost 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2), an interactive Distance Learning Auditorium, conference, study and class rooms, lounges, and computer lab. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum is located in the James H. Wilson Building, a national registered historical structure. Louis Crews Stadium is the sixth largest stadium in Alabama. In 1994, the Mamie Foster Student Living/Learning Complex was erected. Groundbreaking was held for the School of Business facility in 1995 and Louis Crews Stadium and Ernest L. Knight Complex Residence Hall construction began. The Engineering and Technology building known as Bond Hall was completed in 2002 and opened for classes in January 2003. The Normal Historic Preservation Association was incorporated on April 15, 2009, to help preserve and protect the Alabama A&M University National Historic District. The campus is served by the Bulldog Transit Shuttle bus system.
Research facilities include the Center of Excellence in Nonlinear Optics and Nonlinear Optical Materials, Howard J. Foster Center for Irradiation of Materials, and the Center for Forestry and Ecology. The university is the home of the State Black Archives, Research Center and Museum, which collects materials on African American history and culture.
AAMU Today
Alabama A&M University is located in Huntsville, AL and is the largest HBCU in Alabama. With over 6,000 students, currently, Alabama A&M offers degrees in computer science, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, education and more. The university awards 41 Baccalaureate, 23 master's, one EdS, and five PhD degrees. The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) is a joint research venture between NASA, Alabama A&M and six other research universities of the state of Alabama, represented by the Space Science and Technology Alliance.
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Andrew Hugine was approved by the board of trustees as the 11th president on June 18, 2009. In 2015, the board of trustees approved out-of-state scholarships for the fall 2016 semester.
AAMU students believe a rich history, exciting student life, challenging academic programs, and a community where students inspire students makes The Hill special. Many students are transformed through AAMU's welcoming and diverse campus community.
Athletics
Alabama A&M's sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Alabama A&M's colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog. The Alabama A&M Department of Athletics sponsors men's intercollegiate basketball, football, baseball, golf, tennis and track & field along with women's intercollegiate tennis, basketball, soccer, track, cross country, bowling, volleyball and softball. Also offered are men's and women's swimming clubs. The football team's home games are played at Louis Crews Stadium. Both men's and women's basketball home games are played in Alabama A&M Events Center. Prior to joining the SWAC, Alabama A&M competed in the NCAA Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from 1941 to 1998.
Notable athletes include Pro Football Hall of Famer and 4-time Super Bowl Champion John Stallworth, NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion Robert Mathis, two-time NFL Pro Bowler Howard Ballard, Olympic Gold Medalist Jearl Miles Clark, Andre Brick Haley, Desmond Cambridge, Obie Trotter, and Mickell Gladness. Cambridge currently holds the NCAA single season steals record. Trotter is 4th all-time single season steals, and Gladness is 2nd all-time in blocks in a season.
Contributions to Music and Culture
The Marching Maroon & White is the official marching band of Alabama A&M University and has over 280 members. The Alabama A&M University Choir became the first choir from a historically black college and university to be invited to attend the American Choral Festival in Germany. On Thursday, January 21, 2010, the choir performed a concert at the Alabama Music Educators Association Annual Conference. This was a historical event because the choir was the first choir from a historically black college and university in the state to perform at that conference.
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WJAB is a radio station powered by Alabama A&M University, offering smooth jazz and cool vocals.
Notable Alumni
Alabama A&M has produced numerous successful graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some notable alumni include:
- John Stallworth: Hall of Fame wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Pittsburg Steelers and is considered one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.
- Sun Ra: Jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer, considered a pioneer in Afrofuturism.
- Joseph Lowery: A giant in the Civil Rights Movement and a founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
- Don Calloway: Attorney and politician from St. Louis; Missouri House of Representatives for the 71st District in St.
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