Alabama State University
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Alabama State University (ASU), also known as Bama State, is a prestigious public historically black university located in Montgomery, Alabama. Established in 1867 during the pivotal Reconstruction era, it emerged as one of the approximately 180 “normal schools” founded by state governments across the United States in the 19th century.
Moreover, these institutions, including ASU, were pivotal in training teachers to educate in the rapidly expanding public common school system of the time. Notably, ASU was among the 23 schools specifically established to train African American educators during the era of segregated schooling. Many of these schools have evolved over the years, transitioning from normal schools to state colleges and eventually to state universities by the late 20th century. ASU is also a proud member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
The origin of Alabama State University can be traced back to the Lincoln Normal School of Marion, founded in Marion, Alabama. In 1873, following a legislative act that authorized state funding for a Normal School, the State Board accepted the transfer of title to the school, appointing George N. Card as its first president. This marked the beginning of ASU’s journey as a state-supported educational institution, the first of its kind in America for African Americans.
Karen Bass and Terri Sewell at the HBCU Town Hall at Alabama State University. United States House of Representatives – Office of Terri Sewell – https://www.instagram.com/p/B4VgJ6SBWrg/
William Burns Paterson, appointed as the second president in 1878, played a crucial role in the university’s development and is celebrated as one of its founders. Under his leadership, which spanned 37 years, the university relocated from Marion to Montgomery in 1887. The move to Montgomery was not without challenges, as the Alabama State Supreme Court ruling mandated a name change to the Normal School for Colored Students.
ASU experienced significant growth over the subsequent decades. From being a junior college, it transformed into a full four-year institution by 1928. It underwent several name changes, reflecting its expanding academic scope: from State Teachers College (1929) to Alabama State College for Negroes (1948), and then to Alabama State College in 1954. In 1969, it was officially named Alabama State University.
The landmark 1995 Knight vs. Alabama remedial decree was a turning point for ASU, leading to the introduction of new undergraduate and graduate programs, scholarship funding for diversity, and substantial investments in infrastructure, including the construction of a state-of-the-art health sciences facility and the refurbishment of existing buildings.
Quinton Ross at Alabama State University graduation.Representative Terri Sewell’s Staff – https://www.instagram.com/p/B0EVbheBejz/
WVAS-FM, the university’s radio station, was launched on June 15, 1984. Originally broadcasting from the Levi Watkins Learning Center, it has since expanded its reach and power, now broadcasting at 80,000 watts and covering 18 counties. In addition to traditional broadcasting, WVAS-FM streams its programming online, connecting ASU with a global audience.
Another significant development in ASU’s media presence was the initiation of WAPR-FM (Alabama Public Radio) in the early 1990s. This was a collaborative effort between Alabama State University, Troy University, and the University of Alabama. WAPR-FM serves a wide region, including the historically significant Black Belt area of Alabama.
Alabama State University campus in Montgomery. USGS data via NASA World Wind.
In 2021, ASU was awarded a monumental $24.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant, the largest in the university’s history, was designated to support Montgomery Public Schools students in their preparation for higher education, reflecting ASU’s commitment to educational outreach and community development.
Alabama State University continues to thrive as a comprehensive institution, deeply rooted in its historical mission of empowering and educating African American students. Its rich history, coupled with its ongoing commitment to academic excellence, cultural development, and community engagement, positions it as a pivotal institution in Alabama and the nation.