University of Montevallo: Alabama’s Premier Public Liberal Arts College

The University of Montevallo, Alabama’s only public liberal arts university, is a historic and student-centered institution offering diverse academic programs across five colleges, including a new College of Health Professions. Founded in 1896 as a technical school for women, it became coeducational in 1956 and achieved university status in 1969.

Known for its personalized education, with a low student-to-faculty ratio and more than 70 academic disciplines, Montevallo emphasizes tradition through events like College Night and fosters community through vibrant campus life and athletics. With growing enrollment, frozen tuition, and a 54% acceptance rate, it remains an accessible and affordable choice for students seeking a rich, liberal arts experience.

The University of Montevallo: Alabama’s Only Public Liberal Arts University

The University of Montevallo, located in the charming city of Montevallo, Alabama, holds a distinctive position as the state’s sole public liberal arts institution. Founded in 1896, its rich history, unique traditions, diverse academic offerings, and commitment to student success make it a compelling choice for higher education.

A Legacy of Education: From Girls’ School to University

The institution’s journey began on October 12, 1896, as the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School (AGIS), a technical school focused on empowering women with self-supporting skills. Over the years, it evolved, becoming the Alabama Girls’ Technical Institute in 1911, and adding “and College for Women” in 1919. In 1923, it officially became Alabama College, State College for Women, a degree-granting institution.

A significant shift occurred in 1956 when the “State College for Women” designation was dropped, making the institution coeducational. The first men enrolled that same month. This change culminated in the school being renamed the University of Montevallo on September 1, 1969, reflecting its broadened scope and mission. The university’s main campus was planned by the renowned Olmsted Brothers, known for their work on New York’s Central Park. Twenty-eight buildings on campus are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the historic King House and Reynolds Hall.

Academic Excellence and Structure

The University of Montevallo is structured into five distinct colleges:

1. College of Arts and Sciences
2. Michael E. Stephens College of Business
3. College of Education and Human Development
4. College of Fine Arts
5. College of Health Professions (added in 2024, housing a new nursing program)

UM offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across more than 70 academic disciplines. Some of the many majors available include:

• Arts and Sciences: Biology, Chemistry (including Biochemistry), Computer Science, English, Environmental Studies, World Languages (French, Spanish), History, Mathematics (including Dual Degree Engineering options), Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, Social Work, Sociology (with a Criminology concentration), and Speech-Language Pathology.
• Business: Accounting (including BBA/MBA option), Data Analytics, Finance (including Financial Sales and Sustainable Finance concentrations), Management (including Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, International Management), and Marketing (including Advertising, Digital Marketing, Sales Management).
• Education and Human Development: Early Childhood Education, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Elementary Education, Family and Consumer Sciences (including Education, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Development and Family Studies, Retail Merchandising).
• Fine Arts: Art (various concentrations like Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, New Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture), Communication Studies, Mass Communication (Broadcast Production, Multimedia Journalism), Music (various performance and education tracks, Music Technology), and Theatre (Acting, Design and Technology, Musical Theatre).
• Health Professions: Exercise and Nutrition Science (including Allied Health, Health Promotion, Nutrition and Wellness, Strength and Conditioning), and Nursing (Pre-licensure BSN, RN to BSN).

The university maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, reported as 14-to-1 or 13:1, emphasizing a personalized education. They offer special academic programs such as Accelerated Study, Cross-Registration, Distance Learning, Double Major, Dual Enrollment for high school students, an Honors Program, Independent Study, Internships, ROTC (Air Force and Army), Study Abroad, and Teacher Certification.

Enrollment and Demographics

In Fall 2024, the University of Montevallo reported a total enrollment of 3,142 students, marking a 5.4% increase from Fall 2023. This included 592 freshmen, the largest freshman class since 2012, and a 10.6% increase in graduate enrollment to 449 students.

Demographically, recent data indicates:

• Gender Ratio: Approximately 63% female to 37% male.
• Residency: 77% in-state, 18% out-of-state, and 6% international.
• Age: Predominantly 18-21 (63%), with 13% aged 22-24 and 6% over 25.
• Racial Diversity: White (65%), Black or African American (16%), Hispanic (7%), International (Non-Citizen) (4%), Multiracial (3%), Unknown (3%), Asian (1%), American Indian or Alaska Native (0.2%), Pacific Islander (0%).

The acceptance rate for the University of Montevallo is approximately 54%. Tuition has been frozen since 2018 and is set to remain so through the 2024-2025 academic year.

Campus Life and Traditions

Montevallo offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. On-campus housing is available, with freshmen typically required to live on campus.

A cornerstone of Montevallo’s identity is College Night, a celebrated intramural competition between the Purple Side and the Gold Side. Officially beginning on March 3, 1919, it is cited as one of the oldest homecoming traditions in the United States. The competition involves various activities, including sports, financial management, spirit events, and student-written, produced, and performed plays.

Beyond College Night, students can engage in numerous student organizations categorized by academics, fraternity/sorority life, honorary societies, publications, religious affiliations, special interests, and student governance. Greek life plays a role in campus activities, focusing on academics, brotherhood/sisterhood, leadership, service, and social interaction.

Other notable traditions and features include:

• The Traditions Fund, which supports College Night, Founders’ Day, and the student newspaper, The Alabamian.
• The campus is home to the James Wylie Shepherd Observatory, one of the few in the world accessible to people with all disabilities.
• The Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve, a 60-acre wetland, serves as a living laboratory for biology and environmental science classes and features recycled-steel artwork by UM students.

Athletics

The University of Montevallo Falcons compete in the NCAA Division II. Their primary conference affiliation is the Gulf South Conference (GSC), though men’s lacrosse and eSports compete in the Peach Belt Conference. The Falcons boast 22 intercollegiate varsity sports teams (11 men’s and 11 women’s), with mascot Freddie Falcon leading the charge in purple and gold.

Men’s sports include: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor), and Wrestling. Women’s sports include: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor), and Volleyball.

Notable athletic facilities include the Robert M. McChesney Student Activity Center (for basketball), Kermit A. Johnson Field (baseball), and the Softball Stadium at Orr Park. The men’s basketball team has achieved significant success, including NCAA Elite Eight Quarterfinal appearances and PBC Tournament Championships.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

The University of Montevallo has produced a diverse group of accomplished alumni across various fields. Some notable alumni include:

• Polly Holliday (’59) – Television/stage/film actress
• Rebecca Luker (’84) – Broadway star and recording artist
• Rusty Greer (’95) – Texas Rangers team Hall of Fame outfielder
• Jim Dunaway (’88) – Sports talk radio host and TV anchor
• E. B. Sledge – Author, biologist (faculty)
• William Cobb – Author (faculty)
• Karen Graffeo – Photographer (faculty)

The University of Montevallo continues to uphold its founding principles, offering a challenging and affordable liberal arts education. Its unique blend of history, tradition, and a student-centered approach makes it a significant institution within Alabama’s higher education landscape.

FAQs about University of Montevallo

What is the University of Montevallo known for?
The University of Montevallo is known for being Alabama’s only public liberal arts university, offering a personalized education, historic campus, and strong traditions like College Night.

When was the University of Montevallo founded?
It was founded on October 12, 1896, originally as the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School.

Is the University of Montevallo coeducational?
Yes, it became coeducational in 1956 and was officially renamed the University of Montevallo in 1969.

What are the main academic divisions at Montevallo?
The university has five colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Development, Fine Arts, and Health Professions.

Does Montevallo offer graduate programs?
Yes, Montevallo offers a range of graduate programs across several disciplines.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Montevallo?
The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 13:1 to 14:1, allowing for personalized attention.

What majors are available at the University of Montevallo?
More than 70 majors are offered, including Biology, Psychology, Marketing, Nursing, Theatre, and Computer Science.

What is College Night?
College Night is a long-standing homecoming tradition featuring intramural competitions between Purple and Gold sides in sports, spirit events, and original plays.

How many students attend Montevallo?
As of Fall 2024, enrollment is 3,142 students, including 592 freshmen and 449 graduate students.

What is the gender distribution at Montevallo?
Approximately 63% of students are female, and 37% are male.

What is the acceptance rate for Montevallo?
The acceptance rate is around 54%.

Has tuition increased recently at Montevallo?
No, tuition has been frozen since 2018 and remains unchanged through the 2024–2025 academic year.

Does Montevallo offer on-campus housing?
Yes, on-campus housing is available and is typically required for freshmen.

Are there student organizations at Montevallo?
Yes, there are many student organizations, including academic clubs, Greek life, special interest groups, and student government.

Is there Greek life at Montevallo?
Yes, Greek life is active on campus and emphasizes academics, leadership, service, and social engagement.

What athletic teams does Montevallo have?
The Montevallo Falcons compete in NCAA Division II with 22 varsity sports teams for men and women.

What is the school’s mascot and colors?
The mascot is Freddie Falcon, and the school colors are purple and gold.

Does Montevallo support students with disabilities?
Yes, including features like the fully accessible James Wylie Shepherd Observatory.

What is the Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve?
It is a 60-acre wetland used as an outdoor laboratory for environmental science and biology courses.

What are some notable alumni from Montevallo?
Notable alumni include actress Polly Holliday, Broadway star Rebecca Luker, MLB player Rusty Greer, and author E.B. Sledge.

Are study abroad programs available at Montevallo?
Yes, students can participate in study abroad opportunities to enhance their global education experience.

Does Montevallo offer online or distance learning options?
Yes, the university offers distance learning as well as hybrid academic options.

What financial aid options are available at Montevallo?
Students may qualify for scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans.

Where is the University of Montevallo located?
It is located in the city of Montevallo, Alabama.

Is there an honors program at Montevallo?
Yes, the university offers an Honors Program for academically high-achieving students.

Can high school students take courses at Montevallo?
Yes, through dual enrollment programs.

Does Montevallo have ROTC programs?
Yes, the university offers both Army and Air Force ROTC programs.

Is there a student newspaper?
Yes, the student-run newspaper is called The Alabamian.

What are some unique campus features?
The campus includes 28 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and was designed by the Olmsted Brothers.

Are internships available for students?
Yes, many academic programs incorporate internships to give students real-world experience.