Oakwood University: Christian HBCU with Academic Excellence and Historic Legacy

Oakwood University, a historically Black Seventh-day Adventist institution in Huntsville, Alabama, has upheld a mission of Christian education and service since its founding in 1896 to educate emancipated African Americans. Evolving from Oakwood Industrial School to a fully accredited university, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees grounded in faith-based values and academic rigor.

With a focus on holistic development—mind, body, and spirit—Oakwood boasts strong programs in science, health, business, and theology, and is nationally recognized for producing Black medical school applicants. A vibrant campus life, active research culture, multiple accreditations, and a notable alumni network reflect its commitment to nurturing leaders for service to God and humanity.

Oakwood University: A Legacy of Christian Education and Service

Oakwood University, a historically Black Seventh-day Adventist institution located in Huntsville, Alabama, has a rich history spanning over a century. Founded in 1896, its mission has consistently been to provide quality Christian education that fosters academic excellence, promotes holistic development of mind, body, and spirit, and prepares leaders for service to God and humanity.

A Storied History

The university’s origins trace back to its founding by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) to educate recently emancipated African Americans in the South. Originally known as “Oakwood Industrial School,” it opened its doors on November 16, 1896, with 16 students on a 380-acre former slave plantation. The name “Oakwood” itself is derived from the towering oak trees that adorned the property. Key founders included prominent SDA World Church leaders like co-founder and author Mrs. Ellen G. White, President O. A. Olsen, Treasurer H. Lindsey, and G. A. Irwin.

The curriculum initially focused on faith-based industrial training. Over the years, it expanded, becoming “Oakwood Junior College” in 1917, offering a two-year college program. Its first accreditation as a junior college was achieved in 1943, and it gained senior college status in 1958, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. The institution has since grown significantly, with enrollment first topping 1,000 during the 1974-75 academic year.

Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs

Oakwood University’s curriculum is deeply rooted in the Seventh-day Adventist educational philosophy, emphasizing a combination of theory and practice. The university offers a wide array of programs across various schools and departments, leading to Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Public Health degrees.

Some of the academic departments and their offerings include:

• Biological Sciences: B.S. in Biology, Biomedical Science
• Business and Information Systems: B.S. in Accounting, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Finance, Organizational Management; M.B.A.
• Chemical and Biochemical Sciences: B.S. in Biochemistry, Chemistry
• Communication and Art: A.S., B.A. in Visual Media Communication, Journalism, Film and Television Production
• Education: B.S. in Elementary Education, English Language Arts Education, Mathematics Education, Social Science Education
• English and Foreign Language: B.A. in English, Spanish
• Health and Human Sciences: B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science, Child Development/Family Studies, Fitness and Wellness, Health Science, Sports Management, Sports Marketing, Pre-Speech Language Pathology; M.P.H. in Public Health
• History and Political Science: B.A. in History, International Relations, Pre-Law, Public Policy, Legal Studies
• Mathematics and Computer Science: B.S. in Applied Mathematics, Computer Networks, Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics
• Music: B.A. in Music; B.M. in Music Composition & Recording Arts, Vocal Performance & Pedagogy
• Nursing: B.S. in Nursing
• Nutrition and Dietetics: B.S. in Dietetics, Nutrition; M.P.H. in Public Health
• Psychological Sciences: B.A., B.S. in Psychology, General Psychology
• Religion: B.A. in Biblical Studies & Languages, Ministerial Theology, Pastoral Care & Pre-Chaplaincy; M.A. in Church Leadership, Pastoral Studies, Urban Ministry and Community Development
• Social Work: B.S.W. in Social Work
• Non-departmental: A.S., B.S. in General Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies

Oakwood is particularly recognized as the nation’s fifth-ranked producer of undergraduate Black applicants to medical schools, according to the Association for American Medical Colleges. The university also holds an ISO 9001:2008 designation, distinguishing it as the first and only HBCU, and the first and only Alabama and/or SDA higher education institution, with this qualification.

Campus Life and Community

Oakwood University prides itself on a vibrant residential campus experience, encouraging students to live on campus for enhanced academic and personal growth. The university offers traditional residence halls (Holland Hall and Edwards Hall for males; Carter Hall and Wade Hall for females) and non-traditional residences like the Annex and West Oaks Apartments.

Campus life is designed to foster spiritual, social, mental, and physical development. With over 30 student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, praise and worship events, and a culturally diverse environment, students have ample opportunities for involvement. Key aspects of campus life include:

• Spiritual Life: Promotion of holistic development, annual local, national, and international mission trips.
• Health & Wellness: “Healthy Campus 2020” initiative aiming to make Oakwood the healthiest campus in America.
• Student Services: Comprehensive support including career services, student employment, health & counseling, public safety, and disability services.
• Broadcasting: WJOU 90.1 FM, a 24/7 radio station with live streaming, and Breath of Life Television Ministries, a production center for Christ-centered media.
• Oakwood Farms: Plans are underway for this to become the largest urban farm in North Alabama, with potential for horticulture studies.

Admissions and Enrollment

Oakwood University has a competitive admissions process. In 2023, the undergraduate acceptance rate was 50.5%, with 1,197 accepted out of 2,370 applicants. The total enrollment in 2023 was 1,319 students, with 92.4% enrolled full-time. The student-faculty ratio is 11.0, ensuring personalized attention.

The enrolled student population in 2023 was predominantly Black or African American (69.2%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (7.73%), Two or More Races (2.5%), White (1.44%), and American Indian or Alaska Native (0.227%).

Research and Grants

The Office of Research and Grants (ORG) at Oakwood University is dedicated to stimulating a culture of scholarly inquiry. The ORG supports faculty, staff, and students in identifying funding sources, preparing proposals, negotiating agreements, and providing administrative support for research projects. This commitment to research is evident in the strong, research-driven programs offered within the School of Arts & Sciences, particularly in Biological Sciences, Chemical & Biochemical Sciences, and Applied Mathematics.

Accreditations

Oakwood University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees.

In addition to its regional accreditation, Oakwood University holds programmatic accreditations and approvals from various specialized bodies, including:

• Adventist Accrediting Association (of the Department of Education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists)
• Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
• Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
• Council on Social Work Education
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (formerly National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education)
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Alabama Board of Nursing (approval for Nursing programs)
• Alabama State Department of Education (approval for Education programs)

Notable Alumni

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

• Angela Brown: American dramatic soprano
• Barry Black: 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate
• Clifton Davis: American actor, singer, songwriter, and minister
• John F. Street: Former Mayor of Philadelphia
• Wintley Phipps: Trinidadian-American singer, songwriter, minister, and founder of the US Dream Academy
• Brian McKnight: American singer-songwriter, actor, and record producer
• Davido: Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer
• Eric Thomas: American motivational speaker, author, and minister
• T. R. M. Howard: Civil rights leader, surgeon, and entrepreneur
• Little Richard: American musician and songwriter

Oakwood University continues its legacy of “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” preparing students to be impactful leaders and contributing members of society with a strong foundation in faith and academic excellence.

FAQs about Oakwood University

What is Oakwood University?
Oakwood University is a historically Black, Seventh-day Adventist institution located in Huntsville, Alabama, offering Christian-based higher education.

When was Oakwood University founded?
Oakwood University was founded on November 16, 1896.

What is the mission of Oakwood University?
Its mission is to provide quality Christian education that fosters academic excellence and holistic development, preparing students for service to God and humanity.

What was Oakwood University’s original name?
It was originally known as Oakwood Industrial School.

Why is it called Oakwood?
The name comes from the towering oak trees that adorned the property where the school was established.

Who were some of the founders of Oakwood University?
Key founders included Ellen G. White, O.A. Olsen, H. Lindsey, and G.A. Irwin.

Is Oakwood University accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and several other specialized bodies.

What degrees does Oakwood University offer?
Oakwood offers Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in a wide range of disciplines.

What are some popular academic programs at Oakwood?
Popular programs include Biology, Nursing, Business Administration, Psychology, Public Health, and Theology.

Does Oakwood University have graduate programs?
Yes, it offers graduate degrees including Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Public Health.

Is Oakwood University recognized for producing medical school applicants?
Yes, it is ranked as the fifth-largest producer of Black undergraduate applicants to medical schools in the U.S.

What is the student population at Oakwood University?
As of 2023, the total student enrollment is 1,319.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Oakwood University?
The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, allowing for personalized instruction.

What is the acceptance rate at Oakwood University?
The acceptance rate in 2023 was 50.5%.

What is the demographic breakdown of students?
In 2023, 69.2% of students were Black or African American, followed by Hispanic or Latino (7.73%), and others.

Does Oakwood University require students to live on campus?
While not mandatory for all, students are encouraged to live on campus to enhance personal and academic growth.

What types of student housing are available?
Housing includes traditional residence halls (Holland, Edwards, Carter, Wade) and non-traditional options like the Annex and West Oaks Apartments.

What extracurricular opportunities are available at Oakwood University?
There are over 30 student clubs, intramural sports, praise and worship events, and community service opportunities.

What initiatives support student wellness at Oakwood University?
The “Healthy Campus 2020” initiative aims to make Oakwood the healthiest campus in America.

Does Oakwood University offer student support services?
Yes, services include career support, counseling, health services, public safety, and disability accommodations.

Does Oakwood University have a radio or media presence?
Yes, it operates WJOU 90.1 FM and Breath of Life Television Ministries.

What is Oakwood Farms?
Oakwood Farms is an urban agriculture initiative aimed at becoming the largest urban farm in North Alabama and may support horticulture studies.

What research opportunities are available at Oakwood University?
The Office of Research and Grants supports scholarly projects, especially in science and mathematics fields.

What are some of Oakwood University’s accreditations?
Accreditations include SACSCOC, Adventist Accrediting Association, ACEN, CSWE, CAEP, and others.

Is Oakwood University ISO certified?
Yes, it holds the ISO 9001:2008 certification, making it the first and only HBCU and SDA institution with this qualification.

Who are some notable alumni of Oakwood University?
Notable alumni include Barry Black, Angela Brown, Eric Thomas, Clifton Davis, Davido, Brian McKnight, and Little Richard.

What is Oakwood University’s motto?
“Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve.”

Oakwood University stands as a distinguished institution rooted in faith, academic excellence, and a legacy of service. With over a century of commitment to educating and empowering students—particularly within the Black community—it continues to offer a holistic learning environment grounded in Christian values.

Through diverse academic programs, strong research initiatives, vibrant campus life, and notable alumni, Oakwood University remains dedicated to shaping leaders who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society and uphold its enduring motto: “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve.”