BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
| Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University | |
|---|---|
Alabama A&M University Seal
| |
| Motto | Service is Sovereignty |
| Established | 1875 |
| Type | Public, HBCU Land grant |
| Endowment | $119 million |
| President | Andrew Hugine, Jr. |
| Undergraduates | 4,380[1] |
| Postgraduates | 1,143[1] |
| Location | Normal, Alabama, USA 34.784643°N 86.569950°W |
| Campus | Suburban, 880 acres (3.6 km2) |
| Colors | Maroon and White |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I FCS Southwestern Athletic Conference |
| Nickname | Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs |
| Mascot | Brusier |
| Affiliations | APLU ORAU ACES |
| Website | www.aamu.edu |
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, also known as Alabama A&M University or AAMU, is a public, historically black, land-grant university located in Normal, Alabama, United States.[2][3] AAMU is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as other specialty, regional and national accrediting bodies, AAMU’s academic programs have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, and the Washington Monthly. Each year, several students achieve regional and national honors in their respective disciplines. AAMU researchers are using conceptual modeling and innovation to come up with improvements aimed at better nuclear detection for homeland security uses. A $360,000 grant from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has helped extend and secure additional research support from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Historic District, also known as Normal Hill College Historic District, has 28 buildings and 4 structures, listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places.
History
Alabama A&M was originally established by an act of the Alabama State Legislature in 1873 as the State Normal School and University for the Education of the Colored Teachers and Students.
Peyton Finley introduced twin bills in the State Board of Education for the establishment of four "normal" schools for whites and blacks in 1875. In that same year, William Hooper Councill became founder of Alabama A&M University. Land on which much of the original campus was built, was acquired from the Conley Family, a prominent local family established in the early 1800s. Members of the family have attended as students, or worked as staff, at Alabama A&M in each year of the school's operation since its founding in 1873.
By 1878, the state appropriation increased to $2,000 and the school changed its name to the State Normal and Industrial School. Industrial training began in 1883. In 1885 the name was changed to State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville.
| William H. Councill | 1890–1909 |
| Walter S. Buchanan | 1909–1921 |
| Theophilus Parker | 1921–1927 |
| Joseph Fanning Drake | 1927–1962 |
| Richard Morrison | 1962–1984 |
| Douglas Covington | 1984–1987 |
| Carl Marbury | 1987–1991 |
| David Henson | 1992–1995 |
| John Gibson | 1996–2005 |
| Robert R. Jennings | 2006–2008 |
| Andrew Hugine, Jr. | 2009–present |
By 1890, the students numbered 300, with 11 teachers, the school site became known as Normal, Alabama, and a post office was established. Students were called "Normalites." In 1891, the school was designated as a land-grant college through legislative enactment February 13 and received funds as a land-grant college under the terms of the Morrill Act of 1890. In 1896 the name was changed to The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes.
In 1919, the school became the State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute for Negroes, and in 1948 it was renamed the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College. In 1939, the State Board of Education granted authority to offer course work on the senior college level.
In 1949, the name changed to Alabama A&M College. AAMU became fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1963. Finally, in June 1969, the school adopted its current name.
In July 1996, the Board of Trustees appointed Dr. John T. Gibson as the university’s ninth president and the one who would ultimately lead the institution into the new millennium. A native of Montgomery, Ala., and a graduate of Tuskegee University and the University of Colorado-Boulder, Gibson immediately began implementation of his ambitious "eight-step plan". The Gibson administration saw the construction of the huge, visionary West Campus Complex, the erection of the 21,000-seat Louis Crews Stadium, the renovations and re-roofing of key buildings and the moving of athletic programs to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The long-awaited School of Engineering and Technology was built in 2002, and the Ph.D. program in Reading/Literacy was established. In 2008, Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts reported $1.2 million of missing funds during an audit covering the period of 2002 through 2005.[5]
University Profile
Students
- From 44 states and 11 foreign countries
- 4,940 undergraduates and 874 graduate students
- 42 percent first-time college students
- Middle 50th percentile on ACT: 17–18
- 93 student clubs and organizations
- 75 percent student participation in community service projects
Faculty
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio
- Fewer than 40 students in 86 percent of courses
- 348 faculty members across all undergraduate, graduate and professional programs
Academics
- Five undergraduate schools (Agricultural & Environmental, Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Engineering & Technology) and Graduate Studies.
- 41 Baccalaureate, 23 Master’s, 1 EdS and 4 doctoral degrees offered.
- Degrees conferred: BA, BGS, BS, BSCE, BSEE, BSET, BSME, EdS, MBA, MEd, MEng, MS, MSW, MURP, PhD.
- Honors Program for exceptional undergraduate students.
Facilities
- The J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center (LRC) houses approximately 256,884 volumes, 2,200 journals and is a partial depository for government documents. The University Archives located on the third floor has a collection of documents, records, correspondence and photographs related to AAMU.
- The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum, a part of the LRC, is housed in the James H. Wilson Building, a national registered historical structure.
- The AAMU Small Business Development Center provides free counseling to small businesses in seven counties. Client services also include workshops, a business planning resource room, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services.
- The Agribition Center is designed to host almost any kind of event, including trade shows and agricultural events.
- Louis Crews Stadium is home of the AAMU’s Bulldogs football team. The multi-purpose stadium seats 21,000 and is the sixth largest stadium in Alabama.
- The Student Health and Wellness Center is staffed with full-time licensed health care professionals. It offers gynecological services, limited dermatology services, nutrition services, sports medicine, and psychological and counseling services.
Alumni
- 37,000 and counting
Campus
Alabama A&M University Historic District
| |
| Area | 291 acres (118 ha) |
|---|---|
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Modern Movement |
| NRHP Reference # | 01001407[6] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 2001 |
| Designated ARLH | August 25, 1994[7] |
On May 1, 1875, the school opened with a state appropriation of $1,000, 61 pupils, and two teachers at its first location on Clinton Street in Huntsville. In 1881, the school was moved to first school-owned property on West Clinton Street (the land upon which the Von Braun Center is presently located) known as the "Dement Place." The property on West Clinton Street was deeded to the State of Alabama by trustees in 1884.
In 1885, the state appropriations were increased to $4,000 and a building erected for industrial training through $1,000 grant from the Slater Fund.
On September 30, 1891 the present site of 182.73 acres (739,000 m²) was purchased, with the largest tracts acquired from two branches of the Conley Family. Morris and Hurt Halls were subsequently named for two of the Conley Family members. The school expanded to include agriculture and home economics and Palmer Hall (named for State Superintendent Solomon Palmer) and (Governor Thomas) Seay Hall were built with student labor.
The first library on the campus was built with funds from the Carnegie Foundation in 1904 for $12,000, and was named for its benefactor, Andrew Carnegie. In the 1940s, it was remodeled at a cost of $70,000 and provided additional book stacks and reading rooms. The library was two stories tall, and with a little over 4,000 square feet (370 m²); it served several purposes and housed the offices of the President, Business Manager and Treasurer, Home and Farm Demonstration Agents, the U.S. Post Office at Normal, and on the second floor, living quarters for male faculty. In 1947, the library was enlarged 5,000 square feet (460 m²), which reflected the college's growth. So rapid was the college's student growth that they even outgrew the nearly 10,000 square foot (930 m²) library, and in 1962, a new Reference Annex was added. In January 1968, a new 60,000 square foot (5,600 m²) library was completed and occupied and was named in honor of Dr. Drake. It was designed to house 300,000 volumes and 1,000 students. In 1972, the Educational Media Center and the Library merged to form the Learning Resources Center, which incorporates interactive and multi-media. In 2002 the competition of the latest renovation saw the LRC become a 75,000-square-foot (7,000 m2) structure now housing over 400,000 volumes, digital research sources and other student oriented services.
In 1911, McCormick (Hospital) Hall and Councill Domestic Science Building were erected and Bibb Graves Hall was constructed in 1929.
In 1994, the Mamie Labon Foster Student Living/Learning Complex erected. Groundbreaking was held for new School of Business facility in 1995 and stadium and residence hall construction began.
In 2001, earth work began on new School of Engineering and Technology, library renovations underway and the athletic complex was expanded. The Engineering and Technology building construction was completed in 2002 and opened for classes in January 2003.
The Learning Resources Center renovations were completed in 2002 . The renovation added over 15,000 square feet (1,400 m²), an interactive Distance Learning Auditorium, conference, study and class rooms, lounges, and computer lab.
The entire campus is served by the Bulldog Transit shuttle bus system.
Student Life
Student Government Association
Alabama A&M University's Student Government Association is the overall student governing body and is responsible for many of the activities and programs designed and executed by students for students. It is composed of 2 main sections, the executive board of ten (10) elected officers and a 28-member council that is elected by the respective classes and includes each class president. Each of the ten executive board officers are required to do fifteen office hours per week. All students enrolled at Alabama A&M University are members of the student body and are entitled to representation by a governed body.
Student Activities
The Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development (OSALD) provides services, programs and co-curricular experiences that provide students with opportunities to develop skills, improve leadership competencies, and enrich their college experience. OSALD has oversight of and provides assistance to several student-led organizations:
- Programs and Activities Council
- Student Government Association
- National Pan-Hellenic Council
- Social Greek Council
- Student Publications
| NPHC Fraternities | NPHC Sororities |
|---|---|
| Alpha Phi Alpha | Alpha Kappa Alpha |
| Kappa Alpha Psi | Delta Sigma Theta |
| Omega Psi Phi | Zeta Phi Beta |
| Phi Beta Sigma | Sigma Gamma Rho |
| Iota Phi Theta |
Other Student Organizations
- AAMU Gospel Choir
- Sigma Tau Epsilon professional fraternity Rho chapter
- Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity, Xi Xi chapter
- Eta Kappa Tau Engineering and Technology Fraternity, Alpha chapter
- Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Pi Epsilon chapter
- Nu Rho Sigma fine arts fraternity, Alpha Alpha chapter
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity, Omicron Delta chapter
- Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity for women, Theta Zeta chapter
- Tau Beta Sigma honorary band sorority, Theta Iota chapter
- Voluptuous Bulldog Beauties (VBB)-Women's Plus Size Organization, and Dance Team
- AAMU Southern Belles
- AAMU Democrats
- Alabama A&M Marching Maroon & White
- AAMU University Choir
- M.A.N.U.P "Men of America Nurturing and Ushering Progress"
- Marketing Club
- Poetry Club
- Ward Modeling Troop
- The Collegiate 100 Black Men Of America
- House Arrest Two Championship Dance Team Incorporated
- Trendsetters Fashion Club
- Alima Dance Company
- P.O.W.E.R.(Placing Opportunities Within Everyone's Reach) Mentor Program
°Forestry club/ Fire dawgs
Alabama A&M University Choir
In May 2008, the Alabama A&M University Choir was slated to participate in the American Choral Music Festival in Leipzig, Germany. In 2007, the choir became the first HBCU choir to be invited to attend the American Choral Festival in Germany
On Thursday, January 21, 2010 the choir performed a historical concert at the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Annual Conference. This was a historical event because the choir was the first HBCU Choir in the state to perform at that conference.
In 2014, the choir was invited by the Distinguished Concerts International of New York (DCINY)to be presented in concert at the Lincoln Center in New York, NY.
Telecommunications Program
In 2008, Telecommunications students played an active role on campus. Katherine Mitchell and Alexandria Jackson created the A&M's news show Hump Day. In 2009, Brandon Blevins and Brandon "Wizeman" Lewis created a series of Alabama A&M University short films including Ebony Fire, Tone of Demise 2 and Matters of the Heart.
Dairy Team
In 2009, the AAMU Dairy Team captured silver honors in the 8th National North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge.
In 2010, the AAMU Dairy Team won the Gold Award in the 9th National North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge.
Athletics
Alabama A&M's sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Alabama A&M's colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog. The Alabama A&M Department of Athletics sponsors men's intercollegiate basketball, football, baseball, cross country, golf, tennis and track & field along with women's intercollegiate tennis, basketball, soccer, track, cross country, bowling, volleyball and softball. Also offered are men's and women's swimming clubs. The football team's home games are played at Louis Crews Stadium. Both men's and women's basketball home games are played in Elmore Gymnasium, affectionately known by fans as "The Dog House."[8]
AAMU Bulldog Club
The Bulldog Club, Inc., was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support Alabama A&M Bulldog Athletics by raising monies from private resources. These monies are to be used to benefit more than 500 student-athletes. There are seven membership levels (patron, pup, maroon, maroon & white family, bulldog, coaches, and executive) with a schedule of benefits based on the amount contributed.
Teams
The university's varsity teams include:
| Men's Sports | Women's Sports |
|---|---|
| Football | Basketball |
| Basketball | Volleyball |
| Baseball | Bowling |
| Track and Field | Soccer |
| Golf | Softball |
| Tennis | Track and Field |
| Tennis | |
| Cross Country |
In 2006, the football team won its first SWAC Championship. In 2002, the women's softball team won its first SWAC championship. 1998 was the first year AAMU had a softball team. In 2005, the men's basketball team won its first SWAC regular season and tournament championship.
Media
Alabama A&M University is the licensee for National Public Radio affiliate station WJAB 90.9,[1] which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus.
Notable alumni
| Name | Class year | Notability | Reference(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louis Crews | former head football coach from 1960 to 1975. He compiled a record of 94-52-3. He is the winningest coach at Alabama A&M | ||
| Don Calloway | 2002 | politician, Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 71st district | |
| Dannette Young-Stone | 1986 | former track athlete, who won Olympic gold and silver medals in the 4 X 100 relay in 1988 and 1992 | [2] |
| Marc Lacy | 1991 | Author, spoken word poet, lecturer, and government contractor | |
| Corey D. Hawkins, ESQ | 11th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama | ||
| KD | 2007 | Singer-songwriter, record producer, rapper | |
| Shewanda Pugh | 2003 | Author | |
| Charles Scales | 1976 | Retired Associate Deputy Administrator, NASA | |
| Howard Ballard | former National Football League player (2 time Pro-Bowler, 4 time Super Bowler) | ||
| Michael Crooms | Music Producer | ||
| Robert Mathis | National Football League NFL Pro Bowl defensive end for Indianapolis Colts | ||
| Frank Kearse | National Football League defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins | ||
| Jamaal Johnson-Webb | 2012 | current NFL offensive lineman | |
| Fernandez Shaw | current Arena Football League defensive end | ||
| Sun Ra | attended | jazz musician | |
| Bama Boyz | Music Producers | ||
| Mickell Gladness | 2008 | former NBA player | |
| Mfana Futhi Bhembe | 2008 | former soccer player for the Bulldogs who went on to play in soccer leagues in Swaziland and in Major League Soccer. | |
| Sylvester Croom, Sr. | minister and community leader in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Father of first African-American SEC head football coach Sylvester Croom Jr. | ||
| John Stallworth | 1974 (MBA 1986) | National Football League Hall of Fame member, former Pittsburgh Steelersplayer; four time Super Bowl champion; four time Pro-Bowler | |
| Ruben Studdard | attended (received football scholarship) | American Idol season 2 winner | |
| Barry Wagner | former Arena Football League player | ||
| Kendrick Rogers | former National Football League player | ||
| L. Vann Pettaway | 1980 | former men's head basketball coach | |
| Cleon Jones | former Major League Baseball player | ||
| Brick Haley | 1988 | NFL and College football defensive coach | |
| Jean Harbor | 1986 | former soccer player for the Bulldogs who went on to play in various soccer leagues in Nigeria and the United States | |
| Pearlie Mae Lamb Jenkins | female basketball standout, first Bulldog to dunk in a game. | ||
| Lwazi Maziya | former soccer player for the Bulldogs who went on to play with Mbabane Swallows of the Swazi Premier League and the Swaziland national football team. | ||
| Rachad Hollis | 2006 | TV News Anchor/Reporter & Actor |
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