Miles College: Historic HBCU in Alabama Empowering Future Leaders

Miles College, a historically Black college in Fairfield, Alabama, affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, has been a beacon of educational empowerment since its founding in 1898. With a 76-acre campus near Birmingham, it offers 29 bachelor’s degree programs across diverse fields such as natural sciences, education, business, and communication.

The college fosters a close-knit, predominantly African-American student body with a strong tradition in academics, athletics, and cultural engagement. Notable for its spiritual roots, vibrant student life, NCAA Division II athletics, and distinguished alumni, Miles College remains committed to preparing students for leadership and service in a global society.

Miles College: A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

Miles College, a private, historically Black college (HBCU) rooted in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, has been a cornerstone of education in Fairfield, Alabama, since its founding in 1898. With a rich history of providing educational opportunities for African Americans, Miles College continues to foster intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development, preparing students to be leaders in a global society.

Historical Roots and Affiliation

Originally chartered as Miles Memorial College in honor of Bishop William H. Miles, the institution officially began its operations in 1905. The name was changed to Miles College in 1941 by its trustees. Its establishment was a direct response to the post-Civil War struggle for equal educational opportunities for the growing African-American middle and working classes in Birmingham. Today, it remains affiliated with the CME Church and is a proud member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Campus and Location

Miles College is situated on a 76-acre campus in Fairfield, Alabama, approximately six miles west of downtown Birmingham. The campus features a blend of historic and modern buildings, with some of the oldest structures like Brown Hall being newly renovated. Recent additions include a new Student Activity Center, enhancing student life on campus.

The college’s proximity to downtown Birmingham offers students access to cultural sites like the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum and sports venues like Protective Stadium and Legacy Arena.

Academic Programs and Divisions

Miles College offers 29 Bachelor’s Degree programs across six academic divisions. Students can pursue majors in diverse fields such as:

• Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Chemistry, Mathematics, Management Information Systems, Environmental Science, Computer Information Sciences, Biology.
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: Social Work, Political Science, Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Administration, History, International Studies (minor), Pre-Law (minor).
• Education: Early Childhood Education and Teaching, Elementary Education and Teaching, and various subject-specific teacher education programs (Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Social Science).
• Business and Accounting: Accounting, Business Administration and Management.
• Communication: General Communication and Journalism.
• Humanities: English Language and Literature.
• Family and Consumer Sciences: Child Development.

The college is recognized for its academic rigor, notably being one of fewer than 20 colleges in the United States to have a Center of Academic Excellence under the direction of the Director of National Intelligence.

Enrollment and Student Body

In 2023, Miles College had a total enrollment of 1,151 students, with 96.1% enrolled full-time. The student-faculty ratio is approximately 14:1, fostering a personalized learning environment. The student body is predominantly Black or African American (95.1%), with smaller percentages of White (2.52%), Hispanic or Latino (1.82%), Two or More Races (0.261%), and Asian (0.0869%) students. The institution maintains a male-female ratio of 0.8.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2023 academic year, in-state and out-of-state tuition fees were $11,164. Room and board costs were estimated at $7,348, with other expenses around $2,832, bringing the total estimated cost of attendance to approximately $22,894.

Miles College’s Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to helping students fund their education through various means:

• Grants: Federal and state grants, including the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Federal TEACH Grant, are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment.
• Loans: Federal loans, many of which are subsidized by the government, offer lower interest rates than private loans.
• Scholarships: The college offers various scholarships based on academic or athletic merit, which also do not require repayment.
• Work-Study Programs: Students can gain valuable work experience while earning money to help cover college costs.

Student Life and Campus Activities

Student life at Miles College is vibrant and encourages active involvement. The Norton Student Center serves as a central hub for student gatherings, offering recreational facilities and spaces for organization. Students can engage in:

• Student Organizations and Clubs: A wide array of professionally oriented clubs and national associations, along with opportunities for student government.
• Greek Life: A strong presence of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations (Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Iota Phi Theta) and Campus Fraternal Council organizations.
• Spiritual Community: Opportunities for prayer and Bible readings, reflecting the college’s CME affiliation.
• Arts Scene: The annual Spring Arts Festival provides a platform for student artists, videographers, dancers, painters, poets, and musicians.
• Student Publications: The Milean is the campus student newspaper, offering opportunities for aspiring journalists and creatives.

Residence halls are equipped with recreation rooms, TV lounges, study areas, and laundry facilities, offering a supportive “home away from home” experience.

Athletics: The Golden Bears

Miles College is a proud member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The athletic teams are known as the Golden Bears, and the college offers a variety of sports for both men and women:

• Men’s Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Golf, Track and Field.
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Softball, Track and Field, Volleyball.

The Golden Bears have a strong fan base, with the “Purple Marching Machine” band being a notable presence at games, having performed at events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Notable Alumni

Miles College boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:

• Richard Arrington Jr.: First African-American Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama.
• U. W. Clemon: First African-American federal judge in Alabama.
• Autherine Lucy: First African-American to attend the University of Alabama.
• Pollie Anne Myers Pinkins: Civil rights activist.
• Fred Horn: Politician, former member of the Alabama House of Representatives.
• Juandalynn Givan: Politician, member of the Alabama House of Representatives.
• Thales McReynolds: Former NBA player.
• Bennett M. Stewart: Former Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois.
• Paul A. G. Stewart: 50th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Vice Chairperson of the Miles College Board of Trustees.
• Cleopatra Tucker: Politician, serving in the New Jersey General Assembly.

Miles College continues its mission of providing quality education and shaping future leaders, contributing significantly to the cultural and social fabric of the region and beyond.

FAQs about Miles College

What is Miles College?
Miles College is a private, historically Black college (HBCU) in Fairfield, Alabama, affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

When was Miles College founded?
It was founded in 1898 and began operations in 1905.

Where is Miles College located?
Miles College is located in Fairfield, Alabama, about six miles west of downtown Birmingham.

What type of institution is Miles College?
It is a four-year, private liberal arts HBCU.

What is the religious affiliation of Miles College?
The college is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church.

What degrees does Miles College offer?
Miles College offers 29 Bachelor’s degree programs across six academic divisions.

What are the major academic divisions at Miles College?
Divisions include Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Education, Business and Accounting, Communication, and Humanities.

Is Miles College part of any educational organizations?
Yes, it is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

What is the student enrollment at Miles College?
As of 2023, the college had 1,151 students enrolled, with 96.1% attending full-time.

What is the student-faculty ratio?
The student-faculty ratio is approximately 14:1.

What is the demographic makeup of the student body?
Approximately 95.1% of students are Black or African American.

How much is tuition at Miles College?
For 2023, tuition was $11,164 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

What is the estimated total cost of attendance?
The estimated total cost is around $22,894, including tuition, room, board, and other expenses.

What financial aid options are available?
Miles College offers grants, federal loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.

Are there residence halls on campus?
Yes, residence halls offer amenities such as recreation rooms, study areas, and laundry facilities.

What student organizations are available?
Students can join professional clubs, honor societies, student government, and various interest-based organizations.

Does Miles College have Greek life?
Yes, it has a strong Greek life presence with National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Campus Fraternal Council organizations.

What athletic programs does Miles College offer?
Miles College competes in NCAA Division II and offers men’s and women’s sports including football, basketball, softball, and track and field.

What is the nickname of Miles College athletic teams?
The teams are known as the Golden Bears.

Is there a marching band at Miles College?
Yes, the “Purple Marching Machine” is the college’s well-known band, famous for performances like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Does Miles College have a school newspaper?
Yes, the student newspaper is called The Milean.

Are there arts and cultural events on campus?
Yes, the college hosts events like the Spring Arts Festival to showcase student talent.

Does Miles College offer spiritual or religious activities?
Yes, students can participate in Bible readings, prayer sessions, and other faith-based events.

Who are some notable alumni of Miles College?
Notable alumni include Richard Arrington Jr., Autherine Lucy, U. W. Clemon, Juandalynn Givan, and Paul A. G. Stewart.

Does the college have any academic distinctions?
Yes, it is one of fewer than 20 U.S. colleges with a Center of Academic Excellence under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

What is the campus like at Miles College?
The 76-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including newly renovated facilities and a student activity center.

How close is Miles College to downtown Birmingham?
It is approximately six miles from downtown Birmingham, giving students access to cultural and professional opportunities.

Can students participate in study abroad or global programs?
While not specified in detail, Miles College prepares students to be leaders in a global society and may offer such opportunities through partnerships or programs.

Does Miles College support career development?
Yes, through academic advising, internships, and job preparation resources, students are guided toward professional success.