Alabama State University: Historic HBCU Advancing Education, Research, and Leadership

Alabama State University (ASU), founded in 1867 by nine freed slaves in Montgomery, Alabama, stands as a historic and thriving public HBCU known for its deep commitment to education, civil rights, and academic excellence. Evolving from the Lincoln Normal School into a modern university, ASU now offers diverse undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across multiple colleges, including business, education, STEM, and the arts.

The university is a designated Research College and University (RCU) with over $51 million in research funding and a strategic vision for global recognition. With a vibrant campus life, robust financial aid offerings, and an acclaimed athletics program that dominates the Southwestern Athletic Conference, ASU fosters a strong sense of community and opportunity. Its alumni network includes civil rights icons, NFL players, entertainers, and public leaders, underscoring its legacy of perseverance, progress, and promise.

Alabama State University: A Legacy of Perseverance, Progress, and Promise

Alabama State University (ASU), located in Montgomery, Alabama, stands as a beacon of educational opportunity with a rich and enduring history. Founded by nine freed slaves in 1867, ASU has evolved from the Lincoln Normal School at Marion into a comprehensive public university offering a wide array of baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral programs. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ASU continues to make significant strides in academics, research, and community engagement.

A Storied History Rooted in Education

The origins of Alabama State University are deeply intertwined with the post-Civil War efforts to establish educational institutions for African Americans. The “Marion Nine” – Joey P. Pinch, Thomas Speed, Nicholas Dale, James Childs, Thomas Lee, John Freeman, Nathan Levert, David Harris, and Alexander H. Curtis – pooled their resources to establish the Lincoln Normal School. This institution, which opened its doors on November 13, 1867, with 113 students, became the nation’s first state-sponsored liberal arts institution for the higher education of Black individuals in 1873.

Over the decades, the institution underwent several name changes and expansions, including the State Normal School and University for the Education of Colored Teachers and Students (1873), Alabama Colored Peoples University (1887), State Normal School of Colored Students (1889), State Teachers College (1929), Alabama State College for Negroes (1948), and Alabama State College (1954), before finally adopting its current name, Alabama State University, in 1969. The university’s historic district, encompassing 26 acres and eighteen contributing buildings, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs

ASU offers a diverse range of academic programs across various colleges, including:

• College of Business Administration: Offers undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Computer Information Systems, and graduate degrees such as Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• College of Education: Provides numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, including advanced degrees like Master of Education (M.Ed.), Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, Policy and Law, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership, Policy and Law. Many of these programs are also available online.
• College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Features programs such as Communications and History.
• College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM): Offers undergraduate programs like Biology, Biomedical Engineering, and Computer Science, and graduate programs including Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology, Mathematics, Forensic Science, and Prosthetics & Orthotics, as well as a Ph.D. in Microbiology.
• College of Visual and Performing Arts: Home to various artistic disciplines.
• Department of Aerospace Studies: Houses the Air Force ROTC program.

Recent academic highlights include the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law (ELPL) hosting its 2025 Dissertation Boot Camp and Research Symposium, attracting doctoral candidates from across the U.S. This initiative underscores ASU’s commitment to fostering academic development and scholarly mentorship.

Growing Enrollment and Admissions

For the Fall 2024 semester, registration for all undergraduate and graduate students is open through August 18, 2024. Spring 2025 registration will run from October 14, 2024, to January 13, 2025. Prospective undergraduate students can apply online, submitting a $30 application fee, official high school transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores. ASU also offers early admission and dual enrollment programs for high school students.

Research and Innovation

Alabama State University has recently been designated a “Research College and University (RCU)” by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education Institutions in April 2025. This new classification acknowledges institutions that invest significantly in research, even if they do not offer a large number of doctoral degrees.

ASU’s faculty and student-scholars are actively engaged in research, holding federal awards totaling over $51 million for 29 projects. This designation aligns with the university’s strategic plan, “Focus 2030,” which aims to achieve global recognition through excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Campus Facilities and Student Life

The ASU campus features a variety of modern and historic facilities designed to support a vibrant academic and social environment. Key facilities include:

• Dunn-Oliver Acadome: Home to the Hornets’ basketball teams, recently renovated.
• Houston Markham Football Complex: A state-of-the-art facility for the football program.
• Levi Watkins Learning Center: A five-story structure housing the main library, learning resources, and various academic departments.
• Tullibody Hall (1974): Houses the School of Music, with practice rooms, classrooms, and a recital hall. A scaled replica of the original Tullibody Hall (1890) is located in the atrium, commemorating early university history.
• Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center: A multi-purpose learning center for young children, offering observation and laboratory experiences for education majors.
• Olean Black Underwood Tennis Center, ASU Soccer Complex, and Barbara Williams Softball Complex: Modern athletic facilities.
• Numerous academic buildings: Such as Councill Trenholm Hall (science and technology), William Hooper Councill Hall (administration and classrooms), and William Burns Paterson Hall (liberal arts and ROTC).

Student life at ASU is dynamic, with over 50 student clubs and organizations, including Greek fraternities and sororities, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and encouraging engagement.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

ASU is committed to making higher education accessible. The Office of Financial Aid guides students through options such as federal grants, state grants, loans, and work-study programs. The university also offers various scholarships, including:

• ASU Academic Scholarships: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors.
• Athletic Scholarships: Provided through the athletics department to talented student-athletes.
• ROTC Scholarships: Available through the Air Force and Army ROTC programs.
• Donor Trust Scholarships and External Scholarships: Additional opportunities for financial assistance.

Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and apply for ASU scholarships, with the academic scholarship application typically opening in October for the following academic year.

Athletic Prowess

The Alabama State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, known as the Hornets, competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). ASU has a strong athletic tradition, winning over 120 conference championships since joining the SWAC. In the 2024-2025 season, ASU achieved significant success, winning two of SWAC’s top three all-sports awards: the “James Frank Commissioner’s Cup” and the “Sadie Magee/Barbara Jacket Award.”

This marks the third consecutive year ASU has won these prestigious awards, demonstrating consistent excellence across its athletic programs, including titles in Cross Country, Women’s Indoor Track and Field, Men’s Basketball (tournament), Women’s Golf, and Men’s and Women’s Tennis.

Notable Alumni

Alabama State University boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Prominent figures include:

Civil Rights Leaders: Ralph David Abernathy, Fred Gray, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Rev. Frederick D. Reese, and Thelma Glass.

Athletes and Coaches: Doug Williams (NFL player and coach), Eddie Robinson Jr. (football coach), Reggie Barlow (NFL player and coach), Tarvaris Jackson (NFL player), Woody McCorvey (football coach), and Phaidra Knight (international rugby star).

Entertainers: 2 Chainz (rapper), Rickey Smiley (comedian), Tangi Miller (actress), Clarence Carter (musician), and Lil Yachty (rapper).

Politicians and Activists: Eugene Sawyer (former Mayor of Chicago), Joe L. Reed, and Hazel Nell Dukes.

Artists and Performers: Bonita Hamilton Ceasar (Broadway), Brandon McCall (Broadway), Timothy Ware Hill (actor/director), and Coco Montrese (drag performer).

Alabama State University continues to uphold its founding principles, providing transformative educational experiences and shaping leaders who contribute meaningfully to society.

FAQs about Alabama State University

What is Alabama State University known for?
Alabama State University is known for its historic legacy as an HBCU, strong academic programs, significant contributions to civil rights, and competitive athletics.

When was Alabama State University founded and by whom?
ASU was founded in 1867 by nine freed slaves, known as the Marion Nine, who established the Lincoln Normal School at Marion.

Where is Alabama State University located?
The university is located in Montgomery, Alabama.

What types of degrees does ASU offer?
ASU offers bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist (Ed.S.), doctoral (Ed.D. and Ph.D.) degrees across various disciplines.

Is Alabama State University accredited?
Yes, ASU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

What is the Carnegie classification of ASU?
In April 2025, ASU was classified as a Research College and University (RCU), recognizing its investment in research activities.

Which colleges and departments are part of ASU?
ASU includes colleges of Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, STEM, Visual and Performing Arts, and Aerospace Studies.

Does ASU offer online degree programs?
Yes, several graduate and advanced education programs are offered online.

How can I apply to Alabama State University?
Prospective undergraduate students can apply online by submitting a $30 application fee, high school transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores.

What is the deadline for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 registration?
Fall 2024 registration is open until August 18, 2024, and Spring 2025 registration runs from October 14, 2024, to January 13, 2025.

What financial aid options are available at ASU?
ASU offers federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Students must submit the FAFSA to apply.

What scholarships are available at ASU?
Scholarships include ASU Academic Scholarships, Athletic Scholarships, ROTC Scholarships, Donor Trust Scholarships, and external scholarships.

How active is student life at ASU?
ASU offers over 50 student organizations, including Greek life, academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations.

What athletic teams does Alabama State University have?
ASU Hornets compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), with championships in multiple sports.

What major athletic achievements has ASU earned recently?
In the 2024–2025 season, ASU won two of SWAC’s top three all-sports awards, marking its third consecutive year of athletic excellence.

What are some notable campus facilities at ASU?
Major facilities include the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, Levi Watkins Learning Center, Tullibody Hall, Houston Markham Football Complex, and several athletic complexes.

Does ASU have ROTC programs?
Yes, ASU offers Air Force and Army ROTC programs through its Department of Aerospace Studies.

What are some notable academic initiatives at ASU?
The university hosts events like the ELPL Dissertation Boot Camp and Research Symposium to support doctoral research and scholarship.

Who are some of ASU’s most notable alumni?
Alumni include civil rights leaders Ralph David Abernathy and Fred Gray, rapper 2 Chainz, comedian Rickey Smiley, and politician Eugene Sawyer.

What is ASU’s strategic plan?
ASU’s “Focus 2030” strategic plan aims to elevate the university’s global presence through excellence in teaching, research, and community service.