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Alabama State University
Alabama State University
Alabama State University
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Alabama State University (Alabama State, 'Bama State, or ASU) is a public Historically Black University (HBCU) in Montgomery, Alabama, United States. Founded in 1867 during the Reconstruction era, it was one of about 180 "normal schools" established by state governments in the 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. It was one of 23 established to train African Americans to teach in segregated schools.[4] ASU is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Key Information

Alabama State's athletic teams, known as the Hornets, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

History

[edit]
See also: Alabama State University Historic District

Alabama State University was founded in 1867 as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion in Marion. In December 1874, the State Board accepted the transfer of title to the school after a legislative act was passed authorizing the state to fund a Normal School, and George N. Card was named president. Thus, in 1874, this predecessor of Alabama State University became America's first state-supported educational institution for blacks. This began ASU's history as a "teachers' college."[5]

The second president, William Burns Paterson, was appointed in 1878. He is honored as a founder of Alabama State University and was the president for 37 of the school's first 48 years. Paterson was instrumental in the move from Marion to Montgomery in 1887.[5]

In 1887, the university opened in its new location in Montgomery, but an Alabama State Supreme Court ruling forced the school to change its name; it was renamed the Normal School for Colored Students. The campus was chosen in 1889 although preparing the buildings at the site took a while longer.[6]

In the decades that followed, Lincoln Normal School became a junior college, and in 1928 became a full four-year institution. In 1929 it became State Teachers College, Alabama State College for Negroes in 1948, and Alabama State College in 1954. In 1969, the State Board of Education, then the governing body of the university, approved a name change; the institution became Alabama State University.[5]

The 1995 Knight vs. Alabama remedial decree transformed ASU into a comprehensive regional institution paving the way for two new undergraduate programs, four new graduate programs, diversity scholarship funding and endowment, funding to build a state-of-the art health sciences facility, and a facility renewal allocation to refurbish three existing buildings.[5]

WVAS-FM was launched on June 15, 1984, beaming 25,000 watts of power from the fifth floor of the Levi Watkins Learning Center for two years before moving to its current location at Thomas Kilby Hall. Today, WVAS has grown to 80,000 watts and has a listenership that spans 18 counties, reaching a total population of more than 651,000. In recent years, the station has also begun streaming its broadcast via the Web, connecting a global audience to the university.[5]

The early 1990s witnessed the beginning of WAPR-FM (Alabama Public Radio), which Alabama State University and Troy University, both of which already held station licenses of their own, cooperated with the University of Alabama in building and operating. WAPR-FM 88.3—Selma's signal reaches the region known colloquially as the Black Belt, about 13 counties in the west central and central parts of Alabama, including the city of Montgomery.[5]

In 2021, ASU received a $24.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help Montgomery Public Schools students better prepare for a higher education. This is the largest single grant in the history of the institution.[7] In 2025, MacKenzie Scott donated $38 million to ASU. Her donation is the largest single gift in ASU's history.[8]

Presidents

[edit]

Interim presidents excluded

  1. 1874–1878: George N. Card[9]
  2. 1878–1915: William Burns Paterson
  3. 1915–1920: John William Beverly
  4. 1920–1925: George Washington Trenholm[10]
  5. 1925–1961: Harper Councill Trenholm[11]
  6. 1962–1981: Levi Watkins Sr.[12]
  7. 1981–1983: Robert L. Randolph
  8. 1983–1991: Leon Howard
  9. 1991–1994: Clifford C. Baker
  10. 1994–2000: William Hamilton Harris
  11. 2001–2008: Joe A. Lee
  12. 2008–2012: William Hamilton Harris
  13. 2012: Joseph H. Silver Sr.
  14. 2014–2016: Gwendolyn Boyd
  15. 2017–present: Quinton T. Ross Jr.

Academics

[edit]

ASU has eight degree-granting colleges, schools, or divisions:

  • College of Business Administration
  • College of Education
  • College of Health Sciences
  • College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
  • College of Science, Mathematics & Technology
  • College of Visual & Performing Arts
  • Division of Aerospace Studies
  • Continuing Education

Alabama State offers 47 degree programs including 31 bachelor's, 11 master's, 2 Education Specialist, and 3 doctoral programs. In addition, the university offers the W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program for undergraduate students who meet the above average performance criteria.[13]

Due to Alabama State offering only bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, the university established a dual degree engineering partnership with Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) that gives qualified ASU students automatic admissions into Auburn and UAB undergraduate engineering programs. ASU undergraduate students who successfully complete the program will receive a STEM related bachelor's degree from ASU and an engineering bachelor's degree from Auburn or UAB in approximately five years.[14][15]

Alabama State is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Specific programs are also accredited by relevant specialized accreditors.[16]

Research centers

[edit]

Research centers at the university include:[17][18]

  • Center for Nanobiotechnology Research
  • Research Infrastructure & Minority Institutions
  • Center for Leadership & Public Policy
  • East Asian Institute for Business Research and Culture
  • Urban Economic Research Development Center
  • National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture

Campus

[edit]
Jo Ann Robinson Hall

ASU's urban, 172-acre (0.70 km2) campus has Georgian-style red-brick classroom buildings and architecturally contemporary structures. ASU is home to the state-of-the-art 7,400-seat academic and sports facility the ASU Acadome; the Levi Watkins Learning Center, a five-story brick structure with more than 267,000 volumes; the state-of-the-art John L. Buskey Health Sciences Center which is an 80,000 square foot (7,400 m2) facility which houses classrooms, offices, an interdisciplinary clinic, three therapeutic rehabilitation labs, a state-of-the-art Gross Anatomy Lab, Laboratory for the Analysis of Human Motion (LAHM), a Women's Health/Cardiopulmonary lab, and a health sciences computer lab; and WVAS-FM 90.7, the 80,000-watt, university operated public radio station.[19]

Student life

[edit]
Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023[20]
Race and ethnicity Total
Black 91%
 
International student 2%
 
Unknown 2%
 
White 2%
 
Hispanic 1%
 
Two or more races 1%
 
Economic diversity
Low-income[a] 71%
 
Affluent[b] 29%
 

Alabama State University has nearly 6,000 students from more than 40 states and over 20 countries. Approximately 40% of the student body come from outside Alabama.[21]

Athletics

[edit]
The Hornets outdoor track team celebrating a victory at the 2023 SWAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship
Main article: Alabama State Hornets and Lady Hornets

The Alabama State University Department of Athletics currently sponsors men's intercollegiate football, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, track and cheerleading, along with women's intercollegiate basketball, soccer, softball, bowling, tennis, track, volleyball, golf and cheerleading. Sports teams participate in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (FCS – Football Championship Subdivision for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), which it joined in 1982. The university's colors are black and old gold and their athletic teams are known as the Hornets.[22]

The Mighty Marching Hornets

[edit]
The Mighty Marching Hornets and Sensational Stingettes

Alabama State's marching band is officially known as "The Mighty Marching Hornets". The band has been nationally recognized. The Mighty Marching Hornets were featured in the documentary series, Bama State Style, which followed the lives of the students in the band. In 2016, The Mighty Marching Hornets made an appearance in Ang Lee's film Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk.[23] In 2017, the band's 2012 halftime performance at the Magic City Classic garnered over three million views on YouTube. The band performed in the 2019 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day. In 2023, Alabama State became the first HBCU to host the annual Honda Battle of the Bands. The band is traditionally led by four or five drum majors. The band performs at most football games, all SWAC basketball home games, and other special events.

The featured auxiliary is "The Sensational Stingettes", a danceline that debuted in 1977. They were invited to appear in the "Give It 2 U" music video and a live televised performance with artists Robin Thicke, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz.[24][25] Also, they were shown in Beyonce's Netflix special "HΘMΣCΘMING: A film by Beyonce".[26]

The most recently added auxiliary is "The Honey-Beez", a danceline composed of only plus-size young women that debuted in 2004.[27] In 2017, they were selected to showcase their talents and compete on America's Got Talent.[28] In 2020, they starred in a docuseries on Snapchat.[29]

The Bama State Collegians

[edit]

The Bama State Collegians is a big band jazz orchestra sponsored by Alabama State University. In the 1930s, the ensemble was directed by noted jazz trumpeter Erskine Hawkins, an inductee of both the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. After moving to New York City, the Collegians, directed by Hawkins, became the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra and produced a string of national hit records, including "Tuxedo Junction", "After Hours", "Tippin' In" and others. The song "Tuxedo Junction", with its recordings by Hawkins and by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, became one of the anthems of World War II. In 2011, Hawkins' story of and his start in the Bama State Collegians was the subject of a Florida State University Film School MFA thesis film, The Collegians, written and directed by Alabama State University alumnus Bryan Lewis.[30][31][32]

Student publications

[edit]

Students are served by two media publications, The Hornet Tribune (student newspaper) and The Hornet (the student yearbook).[33][34]

See also

[edit]

Notable alumni

[edit]
Name Class year Notability Reference(s)
2 Chainz American rapper, played basketball for two seasons while attending
Ralph Abernathy 1950 civil rights leader and minister
Reggie Barlow 1996 former professional football wide receiver and current head football coach of the DC Defenders
Brad Baxter former football running back who played 6 seasons in the NFL for the New York Jets (1989–1995)
Clarence Carter 1960 soul singer and musician, best known for his hits "Strokin'", "Patches", and "Snatching It Back" [35]
London "Deelishis" Charles winner of reality show Flavor of Love 2
Michael Coe 2007 NFL defensive back
James Daniel 1974 tight ends coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Steven Daniel 1993 actor and comedian
Thomas Figures 1966 first African American assistant district attorney and assistant United States Attorney
Fred Gray attorney who represented Rosa Parks during the Montgomery bus boycott
Erskine Hawkins jazz musician, composer of "Tuxedo Junction"
Dorothy E. Hayes early Black graphic designer, educator, and curator [36][37]
Tarvaris Jackson 2006 professional football player, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks [38]
Terren Jones 2012 NFL offensive lineman
Lil Yachty vocalist
Kevin Loder 1981 former NBA player for the Kansas City Kings and San Diego Clippers
Manny Martin former NFL defensive back for the Buffalo Bills during the 1990s
Tangi Miller 1993 actress with The WB's Felicity
Travis Pearson former Arena Football League player
Eddie Robinson former linebacker, who played 11 seasons in the NFL for the Houston Oilers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, and the Buffalo Bills; started for the Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV
Quinton Ross member of the Alabama Senate, representing the 26th District
Eugene Sawyer 1956 politician and businessman, Mayor of Chicago 1987–1989 [39]
Dr. Fred Shuttlesworth civil rights leader and minister, co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Council
Rickey Smiley 1992 comedian and actor
Felix Stallings, Jr. electronica artist, producer, and DJ Felix da housecat
Troy Stubbs Member of the Alabama House of Representatives [40]
Jessie Tompkins 1998 former nationally ranking athlete in track and field; head coach for the East Montgomery Track Club; first African America student to challenge the State of Alabama’s White-only, race-based scholarships [41][42]
Fred Wesley jazz and funk trombonist, best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s and 1970s
Jesse White 37th Secretary of State of Illinois
Doug Williams 1995 comedian and actor
Marcus Winn former linebacker for the Edmonton Eskimos and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League

Notable faculty

[edit]
Name Department Notability Reference
Harold Franklin First black student at Auburn University [43]
Alvin Holmes alumnus and member of the Alabama State Legislature, representing the 78th District (Montgomery) [44]
Jo Ann Robinson leader in the Montgomery, Alabama Women's Political Council and the Montgomery bus boycott
Tonea Stewart Theatre actress, playwright, and Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts [45]
Josephine Turpin Washington Mathematics 1886 Howard University alumnus, early writer on civil rights topics [46]
Sheyann Webb-Christburg Social Studies notable civil rights activist, author of Selma Lord Selma! and Dr. Martin Luther King's proclaimed "smallest freedom fighter"

Further reading

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alabama State University

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alabama State University is a public historically black university located in , on a 172-acre . Founded in 1867 as the Lincoln Normal School in Marion by nine former slaves with an initial investment of $500, it was established to provide education to in the following the Civil War. The institution relocated to Montgomery in 1887, evolving through various name changes and expansions to become a state-supported teacher training school before attaining full status. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Alabama State University awards baccalaureate, master's, and specialist degrees across nearly 50 programs in fields such as , sciences, and health. It maintains a student-faculty of approximately 20:1 and enrolls around 3,900 students, predominantly undergraduates, emphasizing , , and as a student-centered HBCU. Historically, the university has been notable for its role in advancing black education in the segregated , including operating the state's first public high school for and contributing to civil rights efforts through faculty and student activism against Montgomery's segregation policies. As the nation's oldest state-sponsored historically black university, it reflects enduring institutional resilience amid post-Civil War challenges and subsequent social upheavals.

History

Founding and Early Years (1867–1887)

Alabama State University originated as the Lincoln Normal School, incorporated on July 18, 1867, in Marion, , by nine formerly enslaved men known as the Marion Nine: Joey P. Pinch, Thomas Speed, Nicholas Dale, James Childs, Thomas Lee, John Freeman, Nathan Levert, David Harris, and Alexander H. Curtis. These founders, motivated by the need for educational opportunities for freed in the post-Civil War era, raised $500 from the local Black community to acquire land, with additional support from the (AMA) and the . The institution was established primarily as a to train teachers, emphasizing liberal arts and basic literacy amid Reconstruction efforts to educate the formerly enslaved population. The school opened on November 13, 1867, enrolling 113 students under the direction of its first principal, Rev. A. W. Steward, who also helped organize the First Congregational Church on campus in 1869. Initial operations occurred in a leased building in 1868, offering a that combined elementary education with classical studies to prepare students for roles. By 1869, a dedicated structure was built using approximately $4,200 sourced from AMA contributions, aid, and donations from freedmen, enabling expanded enrollment and facilities despite limited resources. State financial involvement commenced modestly in 1870 with a $486 appropriation, rising to $1,250 by 1871, reflecting growing recognition of the school's role in public education for Alabamians. In 1873, the institution became the first state-sponsored higher education entity for students in the United States, transitioning from private initiative to partial public funding while retaining its focus on teacher preparation. Reorganized in 1874 as the State Normal School for Colored Students under President George N. Card, it continued operations in Marion, experiencing steady growth in student numbers and program scope amid tensions with local white residents opposed to advancement. These foundational two decades established the school's enduring commitment to accessible education, culminating in its relocation to Montgomery in 1887 due to escalating regional hostilities.

State Affiliation and Expansion (1887–1940s)

In 1887, the Alabama State Legislature authorized the relocation of the Lincoln Normal School from Marion to Montgomery, establishing it as the Alabama Colored People's University with an initial appropriation of $10,000 for land and buildings and $7,500 annually for operations; classes commenced on October 3 under President William Burns Paterson, initially held at Beulah Baptist Church. However, the Alabama Supreme Court invalidated key provisions of the enabling legislation as unconstitutional, compelling the institution to operate independently for two years on tuition fees, private donations, and volunteer services. State funding resumed in 1889, securing the institution's affiliation as a public entity renamed the Normal School for Colored Students, with a sustained annual appropriation of $7,500 focused on teacher training. The first permanent structure in Montgomery was erected in 1890, though it was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in brick by 1906. Under Paterson's continued leadership into the 1890s, the school hired its first African American instructor, John W. Beverly, in 1899, amid expanded state legislative funding. Beverly succeeded Paterson as president in 1915, the first Black leader of the institution, overseeing curriculum enhancements in . By 1920, the school reorganized as a and acquired an 80-acre farm, with the state allocating $50,000 for new residence halls and dining facilities to support expansion. It transitioned to a four-year program in 1928 and was redesignated State Teachers College in 1929, awarding its inaugural baccalaureate degrees in in 1931. Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools followed in 1935 at Class "B" status, upgrading to Class "A" in 1943 alongside the conferral of the first master's degrees and the opening of extension campuses in Mobile and Birmingham. Under President H. Councill Trenholm from the late , graduate programs were initiated in 1940, marking further academic maturation amid persistent emphasis on vocational and professional training for Black students.

Civil Rights Era and Desegregation (1940s–1970s)

Jo Ann Robinson, an English professor at Alabama State College (the institution's name at the time), spearheaded early mobilization for the Montgomery Bus Boycott following Rosa Parks' arrest on December 1, 1955. As president of the Women's Political Council, Robinson and her colleagues produced and distributed 35,000 to 50,000 leaflets using the college's mimeograph machine, urging African Americans to boycott city buses starting December 5. This action catalyzed the 381-day protest that ended segregated public transportation in Montgomery. In February 1960, amid ongoing challenges to , approximately 39 State students conducted sit-ins at segregated lunch counters, including the Montgomery County Courthouse cafeteria on February 20. Governor John Patterson demanded the expulsion of protest organizers, leading the college's board to dismiss nine student leaders on March 2. The expulsions prompted immediate backlash, including a march of over 1,000 students from campus to the state capitol on March 1 and threats of a mass strike by more than 1,000 others. These events culminated in Dixon v. Alabama (1961), a federal appeals court ruling that affirmed protections for students facing disciplinary action, marking a for student rights nationwide. Alabama State students participated in numerous demonstrations throughout the , including marches and protests against segregation in Montgomery's public facilities, contributing to the erosion of local Jim Crow ordinances. Faculty and students alike supported broader civil rights initiatives, leveraging the university's central location to organize and sustain activism that pressured state and municipal authorities. As a state-funded historically black institution, Alabama State adhered to federal desegregation requirements under the and subsequent court mandates, opening admissions to all races by the late 1960s. However, non-Black enrollment remained negligible through the 1970s, preserving its primary mission of serving African American students amid ongoing litigation over higher education segregation in .

Modern Developments (1980s–Present)

In the 1980s, Alabama State University navigated leadership transitions and external scrutiny, including a 1985 NCAA investigation into its football program for alleged violations such as fielding academically ineligible players, offering to cover recruits' summer tuition, and selling game tickets to provide improper benefits. The Knight v. Alabama federal lawsuit, initiated in 1981, exposed vestiges of segregation in Alabama's public higher education system, including funding disparities and program duplication that disadvantaged HBCUs like ASU; court rulings through the 1990s mandated remedies such as enhanced capital improvements, faculty recruitment, and program development at ASU to address these imbalances. Dr. served as president from 1983 to 1994, overseeing continuity amid these reforms. The 1990s and early 2000s saw further leadership changes and legal challenges, with Dr. William H. Harris as president from 1994 to 2000; in 1993, ASU settled a and wrongful termination against the , its board chairman, and a former president for $575,000. Dr. John F. Jennings led from 2000 to 2006, followed by Dr. Yvonne Kennedy from 2006 to 2008, during which a 2008 arose from fraternity incidents involving physical abuse of pledges by members. Harris returned as president from 2008 to 2012, a period marked by internal disputes including his 2012 ouster amid allegations of administrative misconduct, which university officials denied. Subsequent presidencies included Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd from 2012 to 2016 and Dr. William C. Hudson as interim in 2016–2017, amid ongoing financial probes; a five-year state investigation into alleged mismanagement and procurement irregularities concluded in 2017 without charges. In 2015, two white faculty members filed a discrimination lawsuit claiming reverse racism in hiring and promotions at the HBCU. Since 2017, under President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., ASU has reported enrollment gains, including a 12.56% rise in new students and 5.27% overall increase for fall , alongside implementation of the FOCUS 2030 strategic plan to elevate teaching, research, and global impact. The university earned recognition as a 2025 College of Distinction among HBCUs for student engagement and outcomes.

Academics

Academic Structure and Programs

Alabama State University administers its academic programs through seven colleges: the , the , the , the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the , , and the School of Graduate Studies. serves as the entry point for freshmen, emphasizing foundational skills, , and transition to major-specific coursework. The School of Graduate Studies oversees advanced degree programs, coordinating with respective colleges for specialized offerings. The university awards 63 undergraduate and graduate degrees across these units, including baccalaureate programs in fields such as , , , elementary education, , and ; master's degrees like the M.S. in , M.Ed. in early childhood education, and M.B.A.; education specialist degrees (Ed.S.) in areas including and school administration; and a (Ed.D.) in educational leadership, policy, and foundations. Undergraduate programs typically require completion of a general studies core , tailored by major, with placement determined by high school records and entrance exams. These programs emphasize professional preparation, with enrollment data indicating biology (57 degrees awarded), liberal arts (41), and criminal justice (36) as leading undergraduate majors in recent years.

Enrollment, Admissions, and Student Outcomes

As of Fall 2024, Alabama State University reported a total enrollment of 4,081 students, reflecting a 5.27% increase from the previous year and a 12.56% rise in new student enrollment. The Fall 2023 enrollment stood at 3,870 students, with 3,322 undergraduates (89% full-time) and 548 graduate students (69% full-time). Undergraduate programs dominate, comprising the majority of the student body, which draws from 42 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and 24 countries. Admissions at Alabama State University are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 96% for the Fall 2023 entering class, based on 5,346 applications resulting in 5,113 admissions. Among admitted students who submitted test scores, the middle 50% ACT composite scores ranged from 16 to 20, while SAT scores ranged from 444–538 in evidence-based reading and writing and 421–531 in . The university requires a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 for unconditional admission, though conditional admission is available for those with lower GPAs; standardized tests are optional but considered when submitted. Yield among admitted students is approximately 19%, indicating many offers go unaccepted. Student retention and completion rates remain below national averages for four-year institutions. The full-time freshman retention rate from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023 was 60%, with part-time retention at 80%. The six-year graduation rate for the Fall 2017 cohort was 30%, with rates of 24% for males and 34% for females; on-time (four-year) completion stands at around 11–16% based on recent IPEDS data. These outcomes reflect challenges common to many public HBCUs, including socioeconomic factors among predominantly student populations, though institutional efforts like the FOCUS 2030 strategic plan aim to improve persistence through targeted support. Post-graduation data indicate median alumni earnings of approximately $45,000, with over half of graduates remaining in five years out.

Accreditation, Rankings, and Academic Quality

Alabama State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), with reaffirmation of its status granted in August 2023 for the subsequent ten years, authorizing the institution to confer baccalaureate, master's, , and doctoral degrees. Specialized programmatic accreditations include those for the College of from the Council for the of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Council for of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), as well as for programs from the Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), with the latter reaffirmed as of 1993. In U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings, Alabama State University is positioned in the #395–434 range among National Universities and #255 among Top Performers on , reflecting metrics such as graduation rates and Pell Grant recipient outcomes. Niche's 2026 assessments place it at #90 for Best Greek Life Colleges in America and #128 for Top Party Schools, with an overall grade of B- based on student reviews and data on academics, value, and campus life. These rankings incorporate factors like peer assessments, graduation performance, resources, and alumni earnings, though HBCUs like Alabama State often score lower on standardized metrics due to serving higher proportions of first-generation and low-income students. Key academic quality metrics include a student-faculty of 15:1, calculated from instructional staff. The freshman-to-sophomore retention rate is 64%, indicative of moderate student persistence. The six-year graduation rate hovers around 34%, with only 16% completing degrees on time within four years, outcomes that align with national patterns for HBCUs but lag behind broader averages for national universities. These figures, drawn from federal IPEDS data, highlight challenges in completion amid open-access admissions policies prioritizing accessibility over selectivity.

Research Centers and Initiatives

Alabama State University maintains several specialized research centers that support faculty-led investigations and student training, primarily funded through federal grants from agencies such as the (NSF) and (NIH). These entities emphasize interdisciplinary approaches in STEM, , and health disparities, aligning with the university's mission as a historically to address underrepresented areas in research. The Center for Research (CNBR), established in 2007 with a $4.9 million NSF grant over five years, focuses on advancing infrastructure for , including structural studies of viral proteins, nanoparticle-based antimicrobials, and anti-respiratory syncytial therapies. It integrates nine researchers across three projects, such as evaluating multi-functional nanoparticles for antiviral applications and developing nanoparticle-antibiotic conjugates for bacterial infections. The center has facilitated post-doctoral and graduate research in cancer biology and detection. The ASU Cancer Research Center (CRC) targets cancer health disparities among underserved populations through education, training, and targeted research initiatives. It promotes collaborative studies on prevention and treatment, emphasizing community outreach and minority inclusion in clinical advancements. Other centers include the Center for Leadership & Public Policy, which examines , , interpersonal violence, and urban demographic shifts; the Center for Digital Discoveries, dedicated to exploring digital technologies' role in virtual and ; the East Asian Institute, supporting studies in and cultural economics; and the Urban Economic Research Center, analyzing in minority communities. Key initiatives encompass the Research Experiences for Undergraduates () program, a 10-week NSF-funded summer effort providing stipends, housing, and mentorship in regenerative sciences, biological sciences, chemistry, and physical sciences for underrepresented students. Additional programs include the NIH-RISE and NSF HBCU-UP grants in biological sciences for hands-on research training, and the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP), created in 2009 to streamline grant administration, proposal development, and compliance for all university research activities. The STEM Center for Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Research (SCEMSR) lab further develops industry-aligned curricula based on ongoing research outcomes.

Campus and Facilities

Location and Physical Layout

Alabama State University is located in , the capital city of the state, approximately 90 miles south of Birmingham and 160 miles southeast of . The campus spans 172 acres in an urban environment, providing a compact yet expansive setting for academic and residential facilities. The physical layout centers around key academic and administrative hubs, including the Quad, which serves as a focal point for and historic structures. Buildings exhibit a blend of classic and , with red-brick Georgian-style classrooms alongside contemporary designs, complemented by lush and preserved landmarks. Notable structures include Hall, a historic administrative building; Abercrombie Hall for academic use; and residence halls such as Patterson Hall and Lockhart Hall, which accommodate student housing. Athletic facilities, including the BWW Softball Complex and outdoor track fields, are integrated into the campus periphery, supporting intercollegiate programs while maintaining accessibility from central areas. The overall design emphasizes walkability, with pathways connecting academic malls, dining facilities like the Dining Facility, and support buildings such as the Leila Barlow Theatre, which has a capacity of 334 seats. This configuration facilitates efficient navigation for over 5,000 students across the urban footprint.

Infrastructure, Housing, and Resources

The Office of Facilities Management and Operations at Alabama State University oversees the maintenance and operation of campus buildings, grounds, and related services, including administrative support, landscaping, logistics, mail services, building maintenance, and custodial operations. This division ensures cost-effective responses to infrastructure needs across the campus. As of August 2023, the university has undertaken multiple renovation projects to update existing structures, addressing long-standing maintenance requirements. Housing options at Alabama State University include residence halls providing semiprivate and private accommodations, along with community areas such as study rooms, television lounges, and activity spaces. One facility spans 114,419 square feet and offers suite-style living with private bathrooms and a renovated digital laundry area. All residents must sign a contract adhering to university policies, with costs varying by selected accommodations. In June 2025, the university broke ground on two new apartment complexes designed to house hundreds of additional students. Key resources include the Learning Center, a 147,800-square-foot facility housing materials, digital collections, archives, and scholarly resources to support , , and cultural activities. Computer labs within the provide access to digital resources, , and on designated floors. infrastructure features specialized equipment such as the Nano-R2 Atomic Force Microscope, gel documentation systems, phase microscopes, and real-time PCR machines. Student success labs and apps like The Guidebook further aid academic navigation.

Governance and Administration

Board of Trustees and Oversight

The Board of Trustees of State University, established as a body corporate and politic under , holds ultimate responsibility for the institution's leadership, management, and control, including the appointment of the university president and approval of major policies to advance its educational mission. The board exercises oversight by ensuring fiscal accountability, strategic direction, and compliance with state statutes, while delegating day-to-day operations to the president as chief executive. Composition of the board, as defined in Alabama Code § 16-50-20, includes 16 members: two from the congressional district encompassing the university's Montgomery location (District 7), one from each of the remaining six congressional districts in , four at-large members from distinct districts within the state, and two at-large members who may reside outside . The serves ex officio, and a majority of trustees must hold a from State University as alumni. Trustees are appointed by the with confirmation, typically from a list of three nominees recommended by a statutory nominating comprising university stakeholders, including a board member, faculty and student representatives, alumni, and community figures; this process aims to identify candidates demonstrating commitment to the institution, independence, and capability. Terms last six years, with a limit of two consecutive terms (12 years maximum), staggered to maintain continuity. The nominating committee, activated for vacancies, publicizes openings and evaluates applications against criteria such as ethical standards and alignment with university goals, submitting recommendations to the by deadlines like for certain cycles. Board bylaws further structure internal governance through committees on academic affairs, , and others, each with at least five members appointed by the board chair to review specific oversight domains like approvals and allocations. Meetings occur regularly, with the initial post-appointment gathering called by the university president, ensuring deliberative transparency under Alabama's Open Meetings Act. This framework, amended by Senate Bill 281, promotes accountability while vesting significant authority in gubernatorial appointments, potentially influencing institutional priorities based on the appointing administration's focus.

Presidents and Key Leadership

The presidency of Alabama State University traces its origins to the institution's founding as the Lincoln in 1874, with George N. Card serving as the first principal. Subsequent leaders have overseen transitions from a to a four-year in 1929 and status in 1969, amid challenges including segregation-era constraints and post-desegregation expansions. Long tenures, such as those of William Burns Paterson (37 years) and Harper Councill Trenholm (37 years), marked periods of foundational growth in teacher training and infrastructure development.
Years ServedNameNotes
1874–1878George N. CardFirst principal; ASU alumnus
1878–1915William Burns PatersonLongest early tenure; focused on expansion
1915–1920John William Beverly
1920–1925George Washington Trenholm
1925–1962Harper Councill TrenholmOversaw transition to four-year institution
1962 (Jan–Sep)Robert C. HatchInterim
1962–1981 Sr.Led during civil rights era and university elevation
1981–1983Robert L. Randolph
1983–1984 (Nov–Aug)Leon HowardInterim
1984–1991Leon Howard
1991–1994Clifford C. BakerASU alumnus
1994–2000William Hamilton Harris
2000–2001 (Oct–Sep)Roosevelt SteptoeInterim
2001–2008Joe A. Lee
2008–2012William Hamilton Harris
2012Joseph H. Silver Sr.
2013–2014 (Jan–Jan)William Hamilton HarrisInterim
2014–2016Gwendolyn E. BoydASU alumna; first female president
2016–2017 (Dec–Sep)Leon C. WilsonInterim
2017–presentQuinton T. Ross Jr.15th president; ASU alumnus; appointed amid efforts to address enrollment and financial stability
Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., the incumbent 15th president since July 2017, previously served as Alabama State Senator and brought experience in higher education policy. Under his leadership, the university has pursued initiatives in student retention and federal funding advocacy, including support for HBCU grants totaling $495 million during the Trump administration. Key leadership includes the Board of Trustees, which provides oversight and policy direction. The board comprises members appointed by the and the governor, with ex officio inclusion of as president. Brenda Brown Dillard has served as board president since her unopposed election in May 2022, succeeding prior leadership amid administrative transitions. Delbert Madison acts as . The board's role emphasizes fiscal management and strategic alignment, particularly in light of historical debt challenges.

Student Life

Organizations, Greek Life, and Leadership

Alabama State University maintains over 90 registered student organizations, encompassing academic, professional, cultural, service, and recreational groups designed to promote student engagement, skill development, and community involvement. These include departmental clubs such as the BIOMED Club, Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society, and the National Institute of Science Club, which focus on scientific advancement and undergraduate research participation. Professional organizations like Professional Business Fraternity, the American Marketing Association, and the Association of Professionals provide networking and career preparation opportunities within business and technology fields. Service-oriented groups, including STATIC (Students Taking Action Today Implementing Change) and the Young Club, emphasize community outreach and social welfare initiatives in Montgomery and beyond. Honor societies such as Delta Mu Delta for business excellence, for psychology, for political science, and Delta Delta Epsilon for forensic sciences recognize academic achievement and ethical scholarship among members. Greek life at Alabama State University is prominently represented by chapters of the (NPHC), which oversees the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations known as the Divine Nine. Active chapters include Fraternity (Beta Upsilon), Sorority, Sorority, Fraternity, Fraternity, Fraternity (Gamma Beta, founded with an emphasis on youth auxiliaries like the Sigma Beta Club), Sorority, Sorority, and Fraternity. These organizations participate in traditions such as step shows during events, which highlight , unity, and performance arts, drawing significant campus participation. NPHC activities foster lifelong bonds, leadership training, and public service, aligning with the university's mission as a historically . Student leadership development at Alabama State University occurs through structured programs, governance bodies, and targeted initiatives that emphasize personal growth, , and professional readiness. The Student Government Association (SGA) serves as the primary representative body, organizing events, advocating for student needs, and coordinating campus-wide activities to build representational skills. The First-Year Leaders Empowerment Academy targets incoming first-year and transfer students with workshops on , resiliency, and empathy-driven collaboration. The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapter delivers curriculum-focused training in leadership competencies and career preparation, serving as a recognized for high-achieving students. Additional efforts include the Center for Leadership and Public Policy, which addresses socioeconomic improvement through policy analysis and training, and the Collegiate Athletic Leadership Program launched in January 2025 in partnership with McGraw Hill, offering mentorship and networking for student-athletes. These programs integrate with broader student support services, providing mentorship and advocacy to enhance leadership efficacy.

Traditions, Events, and Campus Culture

Alabama State University maintains a strong of communal pride rooted in its founding in as one of the nation's oldest , emphasizing dignity, self-respect, and service to foster a sense of Pride among students. This encourages participation in campus life, including learning the university and upholding values of and . The university's official colors, black and old gold, symbolize this heritage and are prominently featured in events and attire. Key annual traditions include the Turkey Day Classic, established in 1924 as the nation's oldest black college homecoming, held on Thanksgiving Day with a football game against , attended by over 30,000 people, and incorporating a , through Montgomery, and concert. , observed annually near February 9 to honor the nine original founders—such as Alexander Curtis and Thomas Speed—and William Burns Paterson, recognized as the architect of the modern institution, features convocations and reflections on the university's history from its origins in . The , initiated in 1940 in Birmingham, draws nearly 100,000 attendees for a matchup against , including a and battle of the bands. Other recurring events reinforce academic and communal bonds, such as the Fall at the academic year's outset, featuring a presidential address on programs and goals; the Convocation in January with tributes and a keynote; and Honors Day in spring, which combines recognition of parental support with awards for student achievements. The , "Alabama State, O Mother Dear," is performed at convocations, sporting events, and commencements held in May and December. Birthday celebrations for the university, such as the 157th in 2024, involve community-wide activities highlighting its role in history-making. Campus culture at Alabama State University reflects its HBCU identity through vibrant student engagement in over 70 organizations, leadership programs like the Golden Ambassadors—who host visitors in gold jackets—and a focus on holistic development via the . The G.O.L.D. Standard promotes genuine interactions, open-mindedness, listening, and service excellence, aligning with core values of pride, integrity, impact, diversity, and loyalty. Events like programs with African drumming and reading activities underscore tied to civil rights, given the campus's historical significance in sit-ins and . Student feedback describes a rich environment of connections, events, and tradition that builds belonging, though participation varies by individual involvement.

Publications and Media

Alabama State University's student media outlets, overseen by the Office of Student Media, include print, digital, and broadcast properties that serve the campus community and provide hands-on training in , , and communications. These outlets aim to deliver independent, accurate, and unbiased and commentary reflecting campus life. The Hornet Tribune functions as the primary student , published monthly in print during the academic year and maintained online at asuhornettribune.com, covering university , academics, administration, campus crime, and student government. Student staff manage production from reporting to distribution, with annual tryouts for positions. The serves as the university's literary and arts magazine, featuring student-submitted creative works such as , short stories, and visual to showcase campus talent. ENVISAGE operates as a fashion and lifestyle publication, focusing on trends, events, and cultural content relevant to students. The HORNET Yearbook, an annual print publication, documents student life, organizations, and achievements; production stopped during the 1940s due to funding shortages but resumed afterward, with historical editions digitized for access. In broadcast media, WVAS 90.7 FM provides public radio programming from the campus, licensed to Alabama State University and supported by members, offering news, music, and educational content to Montgomery listeners. The Department of Communications supports radio and television production through its curriculum, including courses in newswriting, production, and announcing, with students contributing to WVAS and other outlets via practicums. No dedicated student television station operates, though the program emphasizes multimedia skills applicable to broadcast news.

Athletics and Performing Arts

Intercollegiate Athletics Programs

Alabama State University's intercollegiate athletics programs, branded as the Hornets, operate within as members of the (SWAC). The department oversees 15 varsity sports, including men's teams in , , cross country, football, golf, tennis, and ; women's teams in , bowling, cross country, soccer, , tennis, and ; and coed . Under Director of Athletics Dr. Jason Cable, the programs emphasize both competitive success and academic performance, with student-athletes frequently earning SWAC All-Academic honors. The Hornets have amassed over 120 SWAC championships across their sports. The department secured the SWAC Commissioner Cup—awarded for overall athletic excellence—seven times in the nine years preceding 2023. In the 2024-25 season, Alabama State claimed eight conference championships, three regular-season titles, and five postseason victories. programs stand out, with the men's indoor team winning its eighth SWAC title in 2023 and the women's securing its 17th that year. Football, a flagship program, plays home games at the 26,500-seat ASU and posted a 7-5 overall record (5-3 SWAC) in 2024. Basketball teams compete in the renovated Dunn-Oliver Acadome, a 7,400-seat arena featuring updated locker rooms since 2012-13. Other facilities include the Houston Markham Football Complex (opened 2011), Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex (2011), Barbara Williams Softball Complex (2012), and ASU Soccer Complex (2012). These investments support training and competition, contributing to sustained SWAC contention.

Marching Band and Extracurricular Performance

The Mighty Marching Hornets, Alabama State University's primary , was founded in 1964 and primarily consists of non-music majors who perform during football games, parades, and competitions. The ensemble prioritizes discipline, respect, musicianship, and academic success, with members acting as university ambassadors through precise formations and high-energy routines. It has earned national acclaim, including first place in the talent division of the 2014 Honda Battle of the Bands invitational competition held in . The band routinely competes in events such as the annual , the Orange Blossom Classic, and (SWAC) halftime showdowns, where it has secured trophies for execution and innovation. Supporting athletic events beyond football, the Pep Band operates in the spring semester, focusing on spirited performances at games with a similar non-major composition. Auxiliary units like the ASU Stingettes dance team integrate with the , delivering synchronized routines in styles including and hip-hop during competitions and exhibitions. Extracurricular vocal opportunities include the Gospel Choir, accessible to all students without audition requirements and centered on repertoire, alongside the elite, audition-only Chamber Singers, which tackle advanced choral works from various traditions. The University Choir, following a preliminary audition, performs standard choral at campus and community events. In theater, the Department of Theatre Arts facilitates extracurricular involvement via mainstage productions, technical crew roles, and the annual Festival, providing practical training in acting, directing, and for students across majors. The BFA Dance program extends performance avenues through seasonal concerts and collaborations at university functions, emphasizing techniques like , modern, and forms, often culminating in senior capstone showcases of original choreography.

Controversies and Challenges

Financial Mismanagement and Debt Burden

In October 2013, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley released preliminary findings from a forensic audit of Alabama State University conducted by Forensic Strategic Solutions, alleging widespread financial mismanagement, potential fraud, conflicts of interest, and abuse of power. The report highlighted undocumented payments totaling $864,793 to the Alabama Sports Foundation for uncontracted services, improper hiring of family members of board members and administrators, and failure to produce critical documents during the investigation. Specific examples included contracts awarded to relatives of trustees and executives without competitive bidding, as well as questionable expenditures that raised concerns about self-dealing. The university responded by filing a lawsuit against the auditing firm in California, claiming defamation and interference, but the case was dismissed by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in June 2014. A subsequent review of certain contracts found no evidence of fraud or misconduct, though broader allegations persisted. The Alabama Attorney General's investigation into these matters, spanning five years, concluded in May 2017 without filing charges. A state examination by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts for the period October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2022, identified multiple instances of non-compliance and weaknesses contributing to mismanagement. Key findings included the failure to conduct annual physical inventories of capital assets, resulting in discrepancies such as 10 unlocated items, four untagged assets, and inaccuracies in serial numbers and locations within a sampled . Additionally, $350,000 in 2020 and $375,000 in 2021 from event funds were transferred to the university foundation without board approval or supporting documentation for revenues and expenses. Purchasing card transactions showed 22 out of 50 sampled lacking receipts or approvals, with unauthorized users accessing cards, indicating lax oversight. Auditors recommended stricter adherence to policies, including annual inventories, board approvals for fund transfers, and restricted card usage. Alabama State University's debt burden has fluctuated amid operational challenges. Long-term outstanding stood at $196,254,265 at the end of 2020-2021. By September 30, 2023, total had decreased to approximately $48.1 million, comprising $44.6 million in bonds payable, $2.6 million in liabilities, and smaller and subscriptions, reflecting efforts to retire obligations. However, the university reported an operating loss of $50.9 million for 2023, driven by expenses exceeding revenues, with long-term liabilities totaling $153.9 million including and other post-employment benefit obligations. Net position remained positive at $191.9 million, supported by state appropriations and endowment growth, though management noted ongoing fiscal pressures without expressing substantial doubt about continuation as a . In , the university faced proposed state cuts exceeding $10 million, prompting rallies by supporters to advocate for restored funding. Recent initiatives include a June 2024 partnership with a private equity firm to manage a $125 million endowment, aiming to enhance returns and —the largest such agreement for a public HBCU. A separate forensic process, costing nearly $1 million by recent estimates, has involved secrecy and confusion over potential probes, though detailed outcomes remain limited in public disclosure. Alabama State University has faced several accreditation challenges from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In June 2014, SACSCOC placed the university on warning status for non-compliance with standards related to board , financial stability, and administration of Title IV federal funding. The warning lasted six months, during which university officials committed to addressing the deficiencies. By 2016, ASU was removed from warning status after implementing $25 million in budget cuts to demonstrate sustainable and operational viability under reduced resources. A multi-year investigation by the Alabama Attorney General's office into alleged financial improprieties at ASU concluded without charges in May 2017. Initiated in 2012 following complaints from former employees and a referral from then-Governor Robert Bentley, the probe examined claims of wrongdoing in contracts raised by former President Joseph Silver, involving audits by Forensic Strategic Solutions (costing at least $1 million in public funds), witness testimonies, and reviews by state and federal grand juries. No current or former ASU employees were indicted, with officials attributing the lengthy process to unsubstantiated allegations that strained resources. In employment-related legal actions, former head softball coach LaShonda Hall filed suit in July 2016 alleging gender discrimination under Title VII and retaliation for complaints about unequal treatment in pay, suspension from coaching, and denial of performance bonuses. A federal jury in December 2022 found that gender was a motivating factor in her suspension and bonus denials, leading to a $800,000 payment by ASU in resolution of the claims. Similarly, former Senior Associate Sha'ola Terrell sued ASU in 2023 for sex-based discrimination and retaliation under , the Equal Pay Act, and Alabama's Clarke-Figures Equal Pay Act, citing wage disparities and non-reappointment. The district court granted to ASU on all counts, but the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal of and retaliation claims while vacating and remanding the equal pay claims for further review under updated precedents in December 2024. Student-initiated lawsuits have included a 2016 federal action by 37 Nigerian scholarship recipients alleging violations of Title VI of the for ASU's failure to disburse nontuition portions of government-funded scholarships, resulting in denied services, higher costs, and restricted opportunities based on . Filed on August 25 after a prior contract suit was dismissed without prejudice, the case stemmed from conflicting Nigerian government directives on fund handling, with ASU seeking dismissal on procedural and financial grounds; no final resolution was publicly detailed. In 2015, two white faculty members sued claiming , asserting racially biased treatment at the historically black institution, though specifics on outcomes remain limited in available records.

Security Threats and Campus Safety

Alabama State University's operates 24/7 patrols by sworn officers, focusing on residence halls and high-traffic areas, with electronic access controls via card readers and keys for dormitories. The university employs the ASUALERT system for emergency notifications and timely warnings for Clery Act crimes posing ongoing threats, disseminated via email, text, web alerts, and posters. Additional measures include a SAFE WALK escort service from dusk to dawn, violence prevention programs, and prohibitions on weapons possession except by authorized . Fire safety features encompass sprinklers, alarms, and regular drills in campus facilities. Clery Act statistics indicate relatively low incidences of on campus from 2020 to 2023, with no reported murders or negligent manslaughters. Sexual assaults, including and fondling, ranged from 9 to 11 annually, primarily on-campus. Aggravated assaults totaled 1 to 4 per year, while robberies were minimal at 0 to 1. Property crimes like fluctuated, with 3 to 9 incidents yearly in earlier data, though 2023 saw a reported increase to 38 on-campus cases. thefts were sporadic, at 0 to 2 annually. Arrests for weapons violations and laws remained low, typically 0 to 3 per category per year, with disciplinary referrals for liquor and violations declining from 10-18 in 2020 to 7-9 by 2022. Hate crimes were rare, with only one reported incident in 2021.
YearSexual Assaults (Rape/Fondling)Aggravated AssaultsBurglariesWeapons Arrests
20203 / 12-35-101
20211-5 / 0-61-23-50-3
20221-4 / 1-61-44-91-2
20231-4 / 1-536-38Not specified
Note: Figures aggregated from on-campus locations; variations reflect reporting discrepancies across reports. A notable threat occurred on , 2025, when ASU received an emailed , prompting a , class cancellations, and a multi-agency search involving the . This incident was part of a series targeting multiple across the Southeast, later deemed false and attributed to , with no credible danger identified after thorough investigation. University officials emphasized resuming normal operations while maintaining heightened presence, underscoring vulnerabilities to threats amid broader HBCU-targeted disruptions. No other major violent incidents, such as shootings, were documented in recent public records.

Notable Individuals

Prominent Alumni

Ralph David Abernathy (1926–1990), a key civil rights leader and successor to Martin Luther King Jr. as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1968 to 1977, earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Alabama State College (now Alabama State University) in 1950. He played a central role in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, authoring And the Walls Came Tumbling Down in 1989 to detail his experiences. Fred Gray (born 1930), renowned civil rights attorney who represented , , and the plaintiffs in (1956)—which struck down bus segregation in Montgomery—was educated at Alabama State University before obtaining his law degree elsewhere. Gray served as the first African American president of the Alabama State Bar in 2001 and received the in 2023 for his litigation advancing voting rights and desegregation. Fred Shuttlesworth (1922–2011), founder of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and a leader in Birmingham's desegregation campaigns, obtained a B.S. degree from Alabama State Teachers College (now ) in 1952. He survived multiple bombings of his home and church, co-founding the and pushing for the 1963 Birmingham Agreement that integrated public facilities. Frederick D. Reese (1929–2018), a Selma voting rights organizer who coordinated the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches as president of the Dallas County Voters League, graduated from Alabama State University in 1951 with majors in mathematics and science. Reese taught for over 50 years and received the in 2013 for his role in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In athletics, (1983–2020), an NFL quarterback who played for the Minnesota Vikings (2006–2010, 2012) and (2013–2015), transferred to Alabama State University in 2003, where he started as , rushed for 11 touchdowns, and earned All-SWAC honors in 2005. (born 1968), a stand-up comedian, syndicated radio host of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and actor in films like (2002), earned a B.A. from Alabama State University.

Influential Faculty and Administrators

William Burns Paterson served as the second president of Alabama State University from 1878 to 1915, overseeing its transition from Lincoln Normal School into a established teacher-training for during the post-Reconstruction era. Under his 37-year leadership, the university expanded its curriculum and facilities, laying foundational infrastructure that enabled its growth into a degree-granting . Harper Councill Trenholm, the fifth president from 1925 to 1961, succeeded his father George Washington Trenholm and directed significant institutional development amid segregation and , including program expansions and financial stabilization that positioned the university for post-war accreditation. His tenure emphasized vocational and , contributing to the institution's role in training educators and professionals in the Jim Crow South. Levi Watkins Sr. led as the sixth president from 1962 to 1982, navigating the and desegregation pressures while advancing campus infrastructure, such as library expansions, and securing accreditation that enhanced the university's academic standing. His administration focused on administrative reforms and enrollment growth during a period of federal scrutiny over HBCU funding and equality. William H. Harris, president starting in 1984, initiated reforms to elevate Alabama State University to comprehensive regional status by prioritizing academic excellence, diversity in programs, and research capabilities, which included introducing graduate offerings and improving faculty qualifications. Jo Ann Gibson Robinson, an English at Alabama State College (now University) from 1949, played a pivotal role in the 1955 as president of the Women's Political Council, authoring and distributing over 35,000 leaflets calling for the protest following ' arrest, which mobilized community participation and sustained the 381-day action. Her efforts, conducted from resources despite risks of retaliation, underscored faculty involvement in civil rights organizing. Ralph J. Bryson, a long-serving English professor and department chair, participated directly in the and mentored students in civil rights activism, later contributing to the university's National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Life through archival and educational initiatives. His career exemplified faculty commitment to integrating historical scholarship with advocacy at an HBCU.

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  104. https://www.alasu.edu/_qa/news-jan-2025-founders-day.php
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  109. https://www.alasu.edu/_qa/student-media-outlets.php
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  120. https://www.mightymarchinghornetsasuband.com/about-3
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  122. https://www.wsfa.com/story/24547030/asus-mighty-marching-hornets-in-atl-for-honda-battle-of-the-bands/
  123. https://www.alasu.edu/_qa/news-jan-2025-honda-band.php
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  125. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGAaPA32l-k
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  127. https://www.alasu.edu/academics/programs-majors/programs/BA-Dance.php
  128. https://www.al.com/wire/2013/10/forensic_audit_alleges_family.html
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