Alabama State University: A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

Alabama State University (ASU), a public historically Black university (HBCU) in Montgomery, Alabama, stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Founded in 1867 during the Reconstruction era, ASU has evolved from a normal school for training teachers into a comprehensive university offering a wide array of degree programs and contributing significantly to the community and beyond.

Historical Roots and Evolution

The institution's journey began as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion. In December 1874, the State Board accepted the transfer of title to the school after a legislative act was passed authorizing the state to fund a Normal School. Thus, in 1874, this predecessor of Alabama State University became America's first state-supported educational institution for blacks. George N. Card was named president. He served as ASU president from 1873 to 1878.

In 1887, the university opened in its new location in Montgomery, but an Alabama State Supreme Court ruling forced the school to change its name; it was renamed the Normal School for Colored Students. Throughout the decades, the institution underwent several transformations, reflecting its expanding role and mission:

Lincoln Normal School of Marion (1867-1887)
Normal School for Colored Students (1887-1929)
State Teachers College (1929-1948)
Alabama State College for Negroes (1948-1954)
Alabama State College (1954-1969)
Alabama State University (1969-Present)

The second president, William Burns Paterson, was appointed in 1878 and served for 37 years. He is honored as a founder of Alabama State University.

Academic Programs and Accreditation

Alabama State offers 47 degree programs, including 31 bachelor's, 11 master's, 2 Education Specialist, and 3 doctoral programs. The university also offers the W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program. Furthermore, due to Alabama State offering only bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, the university established a dual degree engineering partnership with Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) that gives qualified ASU students automatic admissions into Auburn and UAB undergraduate engineering programs.

Alabama State is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring the quality and integrity of its academic offerings.

Campus Environment and Facilities

ASU's urban, 172-acre campus features a mix of Georgian-style red-brick classroom buildings and contemporary structures. Notable facilities include:

The ASU Acadome: A state-of-the-art 7,400-seat academic and sports facility.
The Levi Watkins Learning Center: A five-story brick structure with more than 267,000 volumes.
The John L. Buskey Health Center.

Residence Halls

ASU provides various housing options for its students, each offering unique amenities and living experiences:

C.J. Dunn Towers: Built in 1994, housing for 480 First-year Freshmen females, located conveniently in the basement to the Fred Shuttlesworth Dining Hall.
Bessie E. Delany Hall: Housing for 141 upper-class females.
John W. Goodson Hall: An all-suite facility that houses 129 male students.
Jackson Hall: A co-ed residence providing living spaces for 250 students with bedroom layouts for upper-class male and female students. Large, brand new laundry facilities are located on the first floor.
Wilease S. Simpson Hall: Provides accommodations to returning male students.Wireless Internet connections are available for residents in all halls.

Student Life and Activities

Alabama State University has nearly 6,000 students from more than 40 states and over 20 countries. The university fosters a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement.

Athletics

The Alabama State University Department of Athletics sponsors a variety of men's and women's intercollegiate sports. Sports teams participate in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (FCS - Football Championship Subdivision for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), which it joined in 1982.

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The Mighty Marching Hornets

Alabama State's marching band, "The Mighty Marching Hornets," is a nationally recognized ensemble. The band has gained widespread recognition, including appearances in the documentary series Bama State Style and Ang Lee's film Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. In 2023, Alabama State became the first HBCU to host the annual Honda Battle of the Bands. The featured auxiliary is "The Sensational Stingettes", a danceline that debuted in 1977.

Bama State Collegians

The Bama State Collegians is a big band jazz orchestra sponsored by Alabama State University. In the 1930s, the ensemble was directed by noted jazz trumpeter Erskine Hawkins.

WVAS-FM

The 1995 Knight vs. WVAS-FM was launched on June 15, 1984, beaming 25,000 watts of power from the fifth floor of the Levi Watkins Learning Center for two years before moving to its current location at Thomas Kilby Hall. Today, WVAS has grown to 80,000 watts and has a listenership that spans 18 counties, reaching a total population of more than 651,000.

Commitment to Civil Rights and Social Justice

Alabama State University has a rich history of involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, with numerous alumni playing pivotal roles, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy, attorney Fred Gray, and Fred Shuttlesworth. The university continues to honor this legacy through its commitment to civil rights and social justice initiatives.

Leadership and Administration

Alabama State University has been led by a succession of dedicated presidents, including:

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George N. Card (1874-1878)
Robert L. Albright (1981-1983)
Clifford C. Wharton (1991-1994)
Joe A. Lee (2001-2008)
Joseph H. Silver, Sr. (2012)
Quinton T. Ross, Jr. (2017-present)

Contributions and Impact

Alabama State University's impact extends far beyond its campus. The institution has produced countless graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields, including education, the arts, and civil rights. ASU remains dedicated to fostering community impact and the development of its students.

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