Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M) is a

public In public relations and communication science, publics are groups of individual people, and the public (a.k.a. the general public) is the totality of such groupings. This is a different concept to the sociological concept of the ''Öffentlichkei ...

historically black Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African-American community. ...

land-grant university A land-grant university (also called land-grant college or land-grant institution) is an institution of higher education in the United States designated by a state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Land-Grant Acts, Morrill Acts of 1862 and ...

Normal Normal(s) or The Normal(s) may refer to: Film and television * ''Normal'' (2003 film), starring Jessica Lange and Tom Wilkinson * ''Normal'' (2007 film), starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Kevin Zegers, Callum Keith Rennie, and Andrew Airlie * ''Norma ...

Huntsville, Alabama Huntsville is a city in Madison County, Limestone County, and Morgan County, Alabama, United States. It is the county seat of Madison County. Located in the Appalachian region of northern Alabama, Huntsville is the most populous city in t ...

. Founded in 1875, it took its present name in 1969. AAMU is a member-school of the

Thurgood Marshall College Fund The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is an American non-profit organization that supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), medic ...

and is accredited by the

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is an educational accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This agency accredits over 13,000 public and priv ...

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Historic District Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M) is a public historically black land-grant university in Normal, Huntsville, Alabama. Founded in 1875, it took its present name in 1969. AAMU is a member-school of the Thurgood Ma ...

, also known as Normal Hill College Historic District, has 28 buildings and four structures listed in the

United States National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic ...

History

Teacher and schoolmaster

William Hooper Councill William Hooper Councill (July 12, 1848 – 1909) was a former slavery, slave and the first president of Huntsville Normal School, which is today Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in Normal, Alabama.D. W. Culp, ed., ''Twentieth Century ...

won approval for his plan for the Huntsville State Normal School for Negroes, established by an act of the

Alabama State Legislature The Alabama Legislature is the legislative branch of the state government of Alabama. It is a bicameral body composed of the House of Representatives and Senate. It is one of the few state legislatures in which members of both chambers serv ...

in 1875. The school opened on May 1, 1875, at a church on Eustis Street, with instruction for 61 teaching students overseen by Principal Councill, assisted by Rev. Alfred Hunt. By 1878, the state appropriation increased from $1,000 to $2,000 and the school expanded its enrollment and curriculum. In 1881, the faculty pooled money from their salaries to purchase on West Clinton Street. In 1885 the school, now with around 180 students, changed its name to State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville, after the earlier addition of programs for sewing, printing, carpentry, mattress making and gardening. By 1890, the school site became known as Normal, Alabama, and a post office was established. In 1891, the school was designated as a land-grant college through legislative enactment under the terms of the

Morrill Act of 1890 The Morrill Land-Grant Acts are United States statutes that allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges in U.S. states using the proceeds from sales of federally-owned land, often obtained from indigenous tribes through treaty, cession, or se ...

. In 1896, its 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. In 1948 it was renamed the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College. AAMU became fully accredited by the

in 1963. In June 1969, the school adopted its current name,Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. The new millennium saw the construction of the West Campus Complex, the erection of the 21,000-seat Louis Crews Stadium, the renovations of buildings and the moving of athletic programs to the

Southwestern Athletic Conference The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is a collegiate athletic conference headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, which is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the Southern United States. It participates in t ...

(SWAC). The School of Engineering and Technology facility was built in 2002, and the Ph.D. program in Reading and Literacy was established. Andrew Hugine was approved by the Board of Trustees as the 11th president on June 18, 2009. In 2015, the Board of Trustees approved out-of-state scholarships for the Fall 2016 semester. The scholarships are contingent on prospective students meeting various academic qualifications.

Campus

The campus grounds were designed by the

Olmsted Brothers The Olmsted Brothers company was a landscape architectural firm in the United States, established in 1898 by brothers John Charles Olmsted (1852–1920) and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. (1870–1957), sons of the landscape architect Frederick Law ...

firm. The J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center was renovated in 2002, adding over 15,000 square feet (1,400 m²), an interactive Distance Learning Auditorium, conference, study and class rooms, lounges, and computer lab. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum is located in the James H. Wilson Building, a national registered historical structure. On the third floor, the University Archives contains a collection of AAMU-related papers, paperwork, letters, and photos.

Louis Crews Stadium Louis Crews Stadium is a 21,000-seat multi-purpose stadium located on the campus of Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama. The stadium opened in 1996 and is home to the Alabama A&M football team. It was named in honor of Louis Crews, who serv ...

is the sixth largest stadium in Alabama.

Elmore Gymnasium T.M. Elmore Gymnasium is a 6,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Normal, the northern part of Huntsville, Alabama, United States. It is home to the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs women's volleyball team, and was also home to the A&M men's and wome ...

is home to the basketball teams, and was once rated as one of the toughest places for opponents to play. In 1994, the Mamie Foster Student Living/Learning Complex was erected. Groundbreaking was held for the School of Business facility in 1995 and Louis Crews Stadium and Ernest L. Knight Complex Residence Hall construction began. The Engineering and Technology building known as Bond Hall was completed in 2002 and opened for classes in January 2003. The Normal Historic Preservation Association was incorporated on April 15, 2009, to help preserve and protect the Alabama A&M University National Historic District. The campus is served by the Bulldog Transit Shuttle bus system. A new 600-bed residence hall was constructed and opened for students January 2018, and construction planning of a new Event Center was approved by the Board of Trustees in September 2019.

Academics

The university awards 41 Baccalaureate, 23 Master's, one EdS, and four PhD degrees. A selective honors program is available for academically exceptional undergraduate students.

Colleges and schools

* College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences * College of Business and Public Affairs * College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences * College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences * School of Graduate Studies

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

Students

* From 44 states and 11 foreign countries * 6,108 students, 1,521 first time freshmen; 3.01 average GPA (Fall 2018). * 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

National Space Science and Technology Center

The

National Space Science and Technology Center The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) in Huntsville, Alabama is a joint research venture between NASA and the seven research universities of the state of Alabama, represented by the Space Science and Technology Alliance. The ai ...

(NSSTC) is a joint research venture between NASA, Alabama A&M and six other research universities of the state of Alabama, represented by the Space Science and Technology Alliance. The aim of the NSSTC is to foster collaboration in research between government, academia, and industry.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established The

Alabama Cooperative Extension System The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama Extension) provides educational outreach to the citizens of Alabama on behalf of the state's two land grant universities: Alabama A&M University (state's 1890 land-grant institution) and Auburn U ...

. The system provides educational outreach to the citizens of

Alabama (We dare defend our rights) , anthem = "Alabama (state song), Alabama" , image_map = Alabama in United States.svg , seat = Montgomery, Alabama, Montgomery , LargestCity = Huntsville, Alabama, Huntsville , LargestCounty = Baldwin County, Al ...

on behalf of the state's two

land grant A land grant is a gift of real estate—land or its use privileges—made by a government or other authority as an incentive, means of enabling works, or as a reward for services to an individual, especially in return for military service. Grants ...

universities: Alabama A&M University and

Auburn University Auburn University (AU or Auburn) is a public land-grant research university in Auburn, Alabama. With more than 24,600 undergraduate students and a total enrollment of more than 30,000 with 1,330 faculty members, Auburn is the second largest uni ...

."2004 Highlights," Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
/ref> The system employs more than 800 faculty, professional educators, and staff members operating in offices in each of Alabama's 67 counties and in nine urban centers covering the major regions of the state."2003 Annual Report," Alabama Cooperative Extension System
/ref> In conjunction with the Alabama

Agricultural Experiment Station An agricultural experiment station (AES) or agricultural research station (ARS) is a scientific research center that investigates difficulties and potential improvements to food production and agribusiness. Experiment station scientists work with f ...

, the system also staffs six extension and research centers located in the state's principal geographic regions. Since 2004, "Alabama Extension" has functioned primarily as a regionally based system in which the bulk of educational programming is delivered by agents operating across a multi-county area and specializing in specific fields. County extension coordinators and county agents work with regional agents and other extension personnel to deliver services to clients within their areas.

Tuition and financial aid

In the 2017-2018 award year, 3,701 Alabama A&M University students received financial assistance from Pell Grants, totaling $18,323,395.

Student life

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 The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative umbrella council composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities also referred to as Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs). The NPHC was formed as a permanent ...

* Social Greek Council * Student Publications

Other student organizations

*AAMU Marching Maroon & White (marching band) *The Dancin' Divas (marching band danceline) *Fabulous Flags (marching band

color guard In Military, military organizations, a colour guard (or color guard) is a detachment of soldiers assigned to the protection of Colours, standards and guidons, regimental colours and the national flag. This duty is so prestigious that the militar ...

) *AAMU Cheerleaders *AAMU Gospel Choir *Sigma Tau Epsilon professional fraternity Rho chapter *

Phi Beta Lambda The Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, is an American career and technical student organization headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Established in 1940, FBLA is a non-profit organization of high school ("FBLA"), Middle Level ("FBLA ...

business fraternity, Xi Xi chapter *Eta Kappa Tau Engineering and Technology Fraternity, Inc. - Alpha chapter *

Alpha Phi Omega Alpha Phi Omega (), commonly known as APO, but also A-Phi-O and A-Phi-Q, is a coeducational service fraternity. It is the largest collegiate fraternity in the United States, with chapters at over 350 campuses, an active membership of over 25,0 ...

service fraternity, Pi Epsilon chapter * Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Gamma Nu chapter *Nu Rho Sigma fine arts fraternity, Alpha Alpha chapter *

Sigma Alpha Iota Sigma Alpha Iota () is a women's music fraternity. Formed to "uphold the highest standards of music" and "to further the development of music in America and throughout the world", it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its m ...

music fraternity for women, Theta Zeta chapter *

Tau Beta Sigma Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority, (, colloquially referred to as TBSigma or TBS) is a co-educational service sorority. The sorority, headquartered at the historic Stillwater Santa Fe Depot in Stillwater, Oklahoma, numbers over 3,800 active ...

honorary band sorority, Theta Iota chapter *Voluptuous Bulldog Beauties (VBB)-Women's Plus Size Organization, and Dance Team *AAMU Southern Belles *The Collegiate 100 Black Men Of America *Student Government Association *AAMU Democrats *AAMU University Choir *M.A.N.U.P "Men of America Nurturing and Ushering Progress" *Marketing Club *Math Club *MBA Association *Poetry Club *Ward Modeling Troop, Incorporated *House Arrest Two Championship Dance Team Incorporated *Trendsetters Fashion Club *Alima Dance Company *Student Health Alliance *P.O.W.E.R.(Placing Opportunities Within Everyone's Reach) Mentor Program *Forestry club/ Fire dawgs

Alabama A&M University Choir

The Alabama A&M University Choir became the first choir from a historically black college and university to be invited to attend the American Choral Festival in Germany. On Thursday, January 21, 2010, the choir performed a concert at the Alabama Music Educators Association Annual Conference. This was a historical event because the choir was the first choir from a historically black college and university in the state to perform at that conference. In 2014, the choir was invited by the Distinguished Concerts International of New York to be presented in concert at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

Athletics

Alabama A&M's sports teams participate in

NCAA The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a nonprofit organization that regulates student athletics among about 1,100 schools in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It also organizes the athletic programs of colleges an ...

Division I (

Football Championship Subdivision The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly known as Division I-AA, is the second-highest level of college football in the United States, after the Football Bowl Subdivision. Sponsored by the National Collegiate Athleti ...

, formerly I-AA for football) in the

(SWAC). Alabama A&M's colors are

maroon Maroon ( US/ UK , Australia ) is a brownish crimson color that takes its name from the French word ''marron'', or chestnut. "Marron" is also one of the French translations for "brown". According to multiple dictionaries, there are var ...

and

white White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no hue). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully reflect and scatter all the visible wavelengths of light. White on ...

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

. Both men's and women's basketball home games are played in

, affectionately known by fans as "The Dog House." Prior to joining the SWAC, Alabama A&M competed in the

Division II

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. Formed in 1913, it consists mostly of historically black co ...

from 1941 to 1998. While in the SIAC, Alabama A&M won 11 conference championships in women's volleyball, seven conference championships in football, seven in cross-country, nine in men's basketball, two in women's basketball, and two in baseball. Notable athletes include Pro Football Hall of Famer and 4-time Super Bowl Champion

John Stallworth Johnny Lee Stallworth (born July 15, 1952) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is considered to be one of the best wide receivers in NFL history. He pl ...

, NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion

Robert Mathis Robert Nathan Mathis (born February 26, 1981) is a former American football defensive end and outside linebacker who played his entire 14-year career with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college footbal ...

, two-time NFL Pro Bowler Howard Ballard, Olympic Gold Medalist Jearl Miles Clark, Andre

Brick Haley Brick Haley (born May 16, 1966) is an American football coach and former player. He currently is the defensive line coach for the Purdue Boilermakers. Coaching career Early career Previously, Haley was the defensive coordinator and linebackers ...

Desmond Cambridge Desmond Cambridge (born November 28, 1979) is an American basketball player who played for Alabama A&M from 1999 to 2002. In 1999–2000, Cambridge averaged 5.9 points and 2.3 steals per game. In 2000–01, he averaged 18.6 points and led the So ...

, Obie Trotter, and

Mickell Gladness Mickell Jawaun Gladness (born July 26, 1986) is an American professional basketball player, who last played for Arka Gdynia of the Polish Basketball League (PLK). Gladness grew up in Alabama, played college basketball for Lawson State Community Co ...

. Cambridge currently holds the NCAA single season steals record. Trotter is 4th all-time single season steals, and Gladness is 2nd all-time in blocks in a season. Gladness set an NCAA Division I single game record with 16 blocks against

Texas Southern Texas Southern University (Texas Southern or TSU) is a public historically black university in Houston, Texas. The university is one of the largest and most comprehensive historically black college or universities in the USA with nearly 10,000 ...

on February 24, 2007. No other player in Division I history has even recorded 15 blocks in a single game.

Media

Alabama A&M University is the licensee for

National Public Radio National Public Radio (NPR, stylized in all lowercase) is an American privately and state funded nonprofit media organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with its NPR West headquarters in Culver City, California. It differs from other n ...

affiliate station WJAB 90.9, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus. WJAB airs various public affairs programming, as well as live coverage of Bulldog athletic events.

Notable people

File:William Hooper Councill.jpg, File:John Stallworth - 2019 01.jpg, File:Rev. Joseph Lowery.jpg, File:Robert Mathis.jpg, File:Jearl Miles-Clark Sydney 2000.jpg, File:Ruben Studdard 2.jpg, File:Don Calloway.JPG, File:Vivian Malone registering.jpg, File:Frank Kearse 2015.jpg, File:Mandela Barnes Headshot.jpg,

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Alabama Agricultural And Mechanical University National Register of Historic Places in Huntsville, Alabama Historically black universities and colleges in the United States Land-grant universities and colleges Alabama AandM University Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Educational institutions established in 1875 Universities and colleges in Huntsville, Alabama African-American history of Alabama Properties on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage 1875 establishments in Alabama Historic districts in Huntsville, Alabama Historically segregated African-American schools in Alabama Public universities and colleges in Alabama