Huntingdon College: History, Academics, Campus Life and Notable Alumni

Huntingdon College, founded in 1854 and located in Montgomery, Alabama, is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church and known for its motto: “Enter to grow in wisdom; go forth to apply wisdom in service.” With deep historical roots—including its evolution from a women’s college to a coeducational institution—it now serves about 1,100 students and offers over 35 majors, including accredited programs in education, music, biochemistry, and athletic training.

Its picturesque 70-acre campus, featuring Collegiate Gothic architecture, supports vibrant student life with over 50 clubs, NCAA Division III athletics, and holistic student services. Notable alumni range from author Harper Lee to U.S. officials and civil rights activists, reinforcing the college’s mission of shaping lives dedicated to leadership, service, and purpose.

Huntingdon College: A Deep Dive into its History, Academics, and Campus Life

Huntingdon College, a private liberal arts institution rooted in the Judeo-Christian heritage of the United Methodist Church, boasts a rich history spanning over 170 years. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the college adheres to its guiding motto: “Enter to grow in wisdom; go forth to apply wisdom in service.”

A Storied History

Founded on February 2, 1854, by the Alabama State Legislature and Governor John A. Winston, the institution was initially chartered as Tuskegee Female College. Its first president, Dr. Andrew Adgate Lipscomb, laid the groundwork for a teaching-focused college. In 1872, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, assumed full management, leading to a name change to Alabama Conference Female College.

Facing the challenges of post-Civil War reconstruction, college leaders decided to relocate to the more populous city of Montgomery in 1906. While the move occurred in 1909, a tragic fire destroyed all official college records from its first 50 years. Undeterred, the college reopened in the fall of 1910 on its new campus, designed by the renowned Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. (son of the designer of New York’s Central Park), and was renamed Woman’s College of Alabama. The architectural style of the campus, featuring Collegiate Gothic buildings, was set by Flowers Hall, designed by Harvard architect H. Langford Warren.

In the aftermath of World War I, the college began admitting male students, with the first male graduating in 1934. Recognizing that its name no longer reflected its coeducational student body, the institution was renamed Huntingdon College in 1935, honoring Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, a notable supporter of John Wesley and Methodism. The Huntingdon College Campus Historic District, encompassing thirteen contributing buildings, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

Academics and Programs

Huntingdon College offers a comprehensive liberal arts education, providing over 35 undergraduate majors and 20 minors, along with pre-professional and educator preparation programs. Key academic strengths and accreditations include:

• Accreditation: The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
• Educator Preparation: Programs are approved by the Alabama State Department of Education and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• Music: The Music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
• Biochemistry: The Biochemistry program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
• Master of Athletic Training: This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Popular majors include Business, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Sport and Fitness Management, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Biology, and Psychology. The college also offers a Master of Athletic Training program. A notable feature is the provision of a laptop computer for student use throughout their four years, which they keep upon graduation.

Campus and Student Life

Huntingdon’s 70-acre campus is situated in a safe residential neighborhood of Montgomery, Alabama’s state capital. The campus is known for its green spaces and Collegiate Gothic architecture.

Student life at Huntingdon College is vibrant, with over 50 clubs and organizations, including Greek life, student government, academic honor societies, and spiritual life organizations. The Office for Student Development oversees various programs such as Counseling Services, Campus Ministries, Community Service, Campus Recreation, Student Activities, Greek Life, and Residence Life, all aimed at holistic student development. The campus is smoke-free, and security measures include 24/7 security guards, emergency phone boxes, and a Critical Alert System.

Athletics

The Huntingdon Hawks compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division III. It is the only NCAA Division III school located in Alabama. Since 2022, the Hawks have been a member of the Collegiate Conference of the South.

Huntingdon offers a wide range of varsity sports for both men and women, including:

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Wrestling.
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling.

The football team, established in 2003, plays at Charles Lee Field at Samford Stadium and has won multiple conference championships in the USA South Athletic Conference. The “Wesley Cup” is an annual football rivalry game played between Huntingdon and Birmingham-Southern, both private United Methodist colleges.

Notable Alumni

Huntingdon College boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some notable individuals include:

• Harper Lee: Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
• Jeff Sessions: Former United States Attorney General and U.S. Senator from Alabama.
• Bob Zellner: Prominent American civil rights activist and the first white field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
• Lucille Benson: American character actress.
• Alexis Wineman: Autism advocate and Miss Montana 2012, the first known autistic contestant in the Miss America pageant.
• Billy C. Sanders: Retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy.
• Terry Fitzgerald Moorer: United States District Judge.
• Thomas Sigismund Stribling: American writer, known for adventure stories and social satire.
• Maria Howard Weeden: American artist and poet.
• Elizabeth Hight: Retired United States Navy Rear Admiral.
• Leura Canary: Former U.S. Attorney.

Quick Facts and Figures

• Founded: 1854 (in Tuskegee, Alabama); moved to Montgomery in 1909.
• Location: Montgomery, Alabama.
• Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students (traditional undergraduate and Evening Studies programs).
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1.
• Average Class Size: 17.
• Motto: “Enter to grow in wisdom; go forth to apply wisdom in service.”
• Affiliation: United Methodist Church.
• Athletic Affiliation: NCAA Division III, Collegiate Conference of the South.
• Colors: Scarlet Red, White, and Pearl Gray.
• Nickname: Hawks.
• Acceptance Rate: 66%.
• Tuition & Fees (per year): Approximately $28,650.
• Financial Aid: Nearly 100% of traditional day students receive financial aid.
• Campus Size: 70 acres.

Huntingdon College continues its legacy of providing a strong liberal arts education within a supportive and faith-based environment, preparing students for lives of wisdom and service.

FAQs about Huntingdon College

What is Huntingdon College known for?
Huntingdon College is known for its strong liberal arts education, Methodist heritage, historic Collegiate Gothic campus, and vibrant student life.

Where is Huntingdon College located?
It is located in Montgomery, Alabama, in a safe residential neighborhood of the state capital.

When was Huntingdon College founded?
It was founded on February 2, 1854, originally as Tuskegee Female College.

Is Huntingdon College a religious institution?
Yes, it is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and incorporates Judeo-Christian values into its mission.

What is the motto of Huntingdon College?
“Enter to grow in wisdom; go forth to apply wisdom in service.”

What is the student enrollment at Huntingdon College?
The college enrolls approximately 1,100 students, including traditional undergraduates and Evening Studies students.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, with an average class size of 17.

What types of degrees does Huntingdon College offer?
Huntingdon offers over 35 undergraduate majors, 20 minors, and a Master of Athletic Training.

Are there any accredited programs at Huntingdon College?
Yes, programs are accredited by SACSCOC, CAEP, NASM, ASBMB, and CAATE.

What are the most popular majors at Huntingdon College?
Popular majors include Business, Kinesiology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Biology, and Sport Management.

Does Huntingdon College offer graduate programs?
Yes, it offers a Master of Athletic Training program.

What kind of campus does Huntingdon College have?
The 70-acre campus features Collegiate Gothic architecture and landscaped green spaces.

What is student life like at Huntingdon College?
Student life is active, with over 50 organizations including Greek life, service groups, academic clubs, and campus ministries.

Is the campus safe?
Yes, the campus is smoke-free and provides 24/7 security, emergency call boxes, and a Critical Alert System.

Does Huntingdon College have athletics?
Yes, the college competes in NCAA Division III and is a member of the Collegiate Conference of the South.

What varsity sports are offered?
Men’s and women’s teams include football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, track and field, wrestling, and more.

What is the “Wesley Cup”?
The Wesley Cup is an annual football rivalry game between Huntingdon College and Birmingham-Southern College.

What is the acceptance rate at Huntingdon College?
The acceptance rate is approximately 66%.

What are the tuition and fees?
Tuition and fees are about $28,650 per year.

Do most students receive financial aid?
Yes, nearly 100% of traditional day students receive some form of financial aid.

Do students get a laptop at Huntingdon College?
Yes, each student receives a laptop for use during their studies and keeps it upon graduation.

Who are some notable alumni?
Notable alumni include Harper Lee, Jeff Sessions, Bob Zellner, Alexis Wineman, and Lucille Benson.

Is Huntingdon College listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
Yes, the Huntingdon College Campus Historic District was listed in 2000.

Can male students attend Huntingdon College?
Yes, it has been coeducational since the 1930s.

What is the college’s nickname and colors?
The nickname is the Hawks, and the school colors are Scarlet Red, White, and Pearl Gray.

Does Huntingdon College offer evening or adult education programs?
Yes, it offers Evening Studies programs for adult learners.

How big is the average class?
The average class size is about 17 students.

Huntingdon College blends a rich 170-year history with a dynamic, student-focused academic and campus experience rooted in Methodist values. With nationally accredited programs, intimate class sizes, a supportive learning environment, and a scenic historic campus, it prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Whether you’re drawn to its legacy, liberal arts strength, or vibrant student life, Huntingdon offers a distinctive path to personal and professional growth.