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[[Image:Alabama A&M logo.png|right]]
[[Image:Alabama A&M logo.png|right]]
'''Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University''', also known as '''Alabama A&M University''' or '''AAMU''', is an historically black college located in the community of Normal near Huntsville (Madison County). It was founded in [[1873]] as the '''Colored Normal School at Huntsville''' and made a land-grant college under the terms of the Morrill Act of 1890.
'''Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University''', also known as '''Alabama A&M University''' or '''AAMU''', is an historically black college located in the community of Normal near Huntsville (Madison County). It was established by the Alabama state legislature in [[1873]] as the '''Colored Normal School at Huntsville''' for the education of black teachers.


Alabama A&M's colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog. 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). The Alabama A&M Department of Athletics sponsors men's intercollegiate  basketball, football, baseball, cross-country, golf, soccer, 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 University has an enrollment of over 5,700 students in 24 academic programs taught by 1,081 faculty and staff. It is accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools and has one of the largest graduate schools of any historically black college. It offers doctoral programs in physics, plant/soil science, and reading/literacy. The university operates a regional headquarters of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.


Alabama A&M University is the licensee for National Public Radio affiliate station [[WJAB-FM]] 90.9, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus.  
[[Andrew Hugine]] is the university's president, appointed in June [[2009]]. The last president, [[Robert Jennings]], was fired by the board of trustees in March [[2008]]. [[Beverly Edmond]] served as interim president.
 
A&M's colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog. Alabama A&M University is the licensee for National Public Radio affiliate station [[WJAB-FM]] 90.9, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus.  


==History==
==History==
[[1873]]: A bill was approved in the Alabama State Legislature for the establishment of the "Colored Normal School at Huntsville", a school to be devoted to the education of black teachers.
The school opened its doors on Clinton Street in Huntsville on [[May 1]], [[1875]] with 61 students, two full-time instructors and [[William Councill|William Hooper Councill]] as its first president. In [[1885]] the name was changed to the '''State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville''' and an industrial training building was constructed. Five years later the school was designated as a land-grant college with a 183-acre campus outside of Huntsville.
 
[[1875]]: Peyton Finley introduced twin bills in the State Board of Education for the establishment of four "normal" schools for whites and four for blacks.  William Hooper Councill became founder of Alabama A&M University. On [[May 1]], the school at [[Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville]] opened with a state appropriation of $1,000, 61 pupils, and two teachers. The school's first location was on Clinton Street.
 
[[1878]]: The state appropriation increased to $2,000.
 
[[1881]]: 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."
 
[[1882]]: Shop courses were introduced into the curriculum in the fall (e.g., carpentry, printing, mattress-making, horticulture, sewing, etc.)
 
[[1883]]: Industrial training began.
 
[[1884]]: Property on West Clinton Street was deeded to the State of Alabama by trustees.
 
[[1885]]: Name changed to State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville; state appropriation increased to $4,000; building erected for industrial training through $1,000 grant from the Slater Fund.
 
[[1890]]: Students numbered 300; teachers, 11. Designated as a land-grant college of Alabama. School site became known as Normal, Alabama, and a post office was established. Students were called "Normalites."
 
[[1891]]: Designated a land-grant college through legislative enactment [[February 13]]. On [[September 30]], the present site of 182.73 acres (739,000 m²) was purchased. The school expanded to include agriculture and home economics; Palmer (named for State Superintendent Solomon Palmer) and (Governor Thomas) Seay Halls were built with student labor.
 
[[1893]]: First night school was held. First alumni meeting held.
 
[[1894]]: Trade education diplomas authorized. First trade certificates were awarded (10).
 
[[1896]]: Name changed to The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes.
 
[[1897]]: [[Art]] Painting Department added to curriculum.
 
[[1901]]: First honorary degree awarded.
 
[[1903]]: Blues great [[W.C. Handy]] leaves as band director.
 
[[1909]]: School's motto, "Service is Sovereignty," introduced; Councill died at age 61. Walter Solomon Buchanan became president. Farmers' Conference began.
 
[[1910]]: [[American football]] began.
 
[[1911]]: McCormick (Hospital) Hall and Councill Domestic Science Building erected.
 
[[1912]]: First baseball game.
 
[[1920]]: President Buchanan resigns, disillusioned with the state's stance toward the overall betterment of the institution. Theophilus Robert Parker became third president.
 
[[1927]]: Joseph Fanning Drake becomes fourth president and institutes a massive building program.
 
[[1929]]: Construction of [[Bibb Graves]] Hall.
 
[[1939]]: State Board of Education gives authority to offer course work on the senior college level.
 
[[1949]]: Name changed to Alabama A&M College.
 
[[1962]]: Richard David Morrison became the fifth president.
 
[[1963]]: AAMU becomes fully accredited by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]].
 
[[1965]]: Intercollegiate [[soccer]] began.
 
[[1969]]: State Board of Education adopts a resolution changing the name of the institution to Alabama A&M University.
 
[[1970]]: Office of Alumni Affairs established. Phillip L. Redrick became first director.
 
[[1975]]: University observed Centennial. Elmore Health Sciences Building constructed.
 
[[1977]]: [[Volleyball]] for women began.
 
[[1981]]: [[Desegregation]] case began.
 
[[1984]]: Dr. Douglas Covington became AAMU's sixth president.
 
[[1985]]: AAMU signs memorandum of understanding with [[Kansas State University]]/[[USAID]].
 
[[1986]]: Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm addressed "Women's Week" activities. University announced approval of [[Ph.D.]] program in [[physics]]. Department of [[Mathematics]] received [[NASA]] research grant.


[[1987]]: Dr. Carl Harris Marbury was named interim president.
The new location was named "Normal" when a post office was established. Students constructed residence halls and programs in agriculture were added to the curriculum. In [[1896]] the name was changed to the '''State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes'''. Arts courses were added the following year and [[W. C. Handy]] became the schools music director. A library was built in [[1904]] with funds from the Carnegie Corporation. During the 1910s A&M began fielding athletic teams in football and baseball.


[[1989]]: Carl Harris Marbury becomes seventh president.  
In [[1939]] the college was authorized by the Alabama Board of Education to offer senior college level courses. In [[1949]] the name was changed to '''Alabama A&M College'''. It was first accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in [[1963]], and became '''Alabama A&M University''' in [[1969]].


[[1990]]: The University holds its first Grand Reunion, initiated by Dr. Carl Harris Marbury and Georgia S. Valrie, Director of Alumni Affairs.
In [[1981]] a desegregation case opened the university's admissions to all applicants regardless of race. The physics department began offering a Ph.D. program in [[1986]]. The Master of Social Work program accepted its first students in [[1995]]. The college joined the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] in [[1997]].


[[1991]]: Board of Trustees named [[Dr. Alan Lee Keyes]] Interim President.


[[1992]]: Dr. David Bernard Henson becomes eighth president. First AAMU Athletic Hall of Fame induction held.
==Athletics==
Alabama A&M's athletics department sponsors men's intercollegiate  basketball, football, baseball, cross-country, golf, soccer, 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.


[[1994]]: Mamie Labon Foster Student Living/Learning Complex erected. First African-American Ph.D. recipients in physics. University's SACS accreditation reaffirmed.
The Bulldogs compete in the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]]. The football program is part of the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA). The Bulldogs participate in the annual [[Magic City Classic]] football game against [[Alabama State University]]. The football team plays its home games at the $10 million [[Louis Crews Stadium]], constructed in [[1996]]. They won their first SWAC football championship in [[2006]].


[[1995]]: Groundbreaking held for new School of Business facility; stadium and residence hall construction begins. Master of Social Work Program accepts first students. Dr. Virginia Caples, vice president for academic affairs, becomes the first woman to head (interim) the University in the school's 120-year history.
==Presidents==
 
* William H. Councill, 1875–1909
[[1996]]: Dr. John T. Gibson named ninth president in July. AAMU launches Councill Challenge Campaign. Football returns to campus at the new $10 Million [[Louis Crews Stadium]].
* William Buchanan, 1909–1920
 
* Theophilus Parker, 1920–1927
[[Image:Dawson-bldg.jpg|right|thumb|224px|The logo of the unified Alabama Cooperative Extension System is displayed in front of the James I. Dawson Cooperative Extension Building, named in honor the former associate dean for Extension and administrator of the Alabama A&M University Cooperative Extension Program.  The Dawson Building serves as the Alabama A&M University headquarters of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.]][[1997]]: Unified [[Alabama Cooperative Extension System]] unveils new logo. Patrick Grayson makes [[USA Today]] All-USA Academic First Team. Filmmaker Spike Lee visits. AAMU joins [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] (SWAC).
* Joseph Fanning Drake, 1927–1962
 
* Richard Morrison, 1962–1984
[[1998]]: Ryan Swain makes USA Today All-USA Academic First Team. Nobel Laureate series begins under coordination of AAMU physicist Ravi B. Lal.
* Douglas Covington, 1984–1987
 
* Carl Marbury, 1987–1991
[[1999]]: AAMU Research Institute started.
* David Henson, 1991–1995
 
* John Gibson, 1996–2005
[[2000]]: AAMU observes its 125th anniversary celebration in January.
* Robert R. Jennings, September 16, 2006–March 31, 2008
 
* [[Andrew Hugine]], 2008–2021
[[2001]]: AAMU’s fundraising efforts earn it the distinction of lead institution in the [[Tom Joyner]] Foundation/HBCU program. Accreditation announced and earth work begins on new School of Engineering and Technology; library renovations underway; athletic complex expands.
 
[[2002]]: Learning Resources Center renovations completed. Engineering and Technology building erected. [[Social Work]] re-accredited. Forestry gains national accreditation. Normal Hill renovations extensive. Councill Challenge Campaign goal reached.
 
[[2003]]: New School of [[Engineering]] and [[Technology]] Building opens for classes in January. Mary Frances Berry addresses Commencement. Fourth doctoral program in Reading/Literacy announced. AAMU researchers study volcanic ash in Montserrat. HSCaRS hosts study on interaction between land surface and the atmosphere. AAMU offers training on multimillion dollar EDS software. Normalite [[Ruben Studdard]] named “American Idol.”
 
[[2004]]: Councill Federal Credit Union celebrates 50th anniversary. Councill Memorial Statue unveiled in October. AAMU welcomes its 7th Nobel Laureate lecturer in physics.
 
[[2006]]:The football team won its first SWAC Championship.
 
[[2007]]:The Alabama A&M University Choir became the first HBCU Choir to be invited to attend the American Choral Festival in Germany
 
===Recent Events & Modern History===
 
Dr. [[Robert R. Jennings]] was chosen in January 2006 by the AAMU Board of Trustees to guide the more than 130-year-old institution as its 10th president. His official inauguration was Saturday, [[September 16]] 2006.
 
In [[2002]], a renovation added over 15,000 square feet (1,400 m²), an interactive Distance Learning Auditorium, conference, study and class rooms, lounges, computer lab and much more. The LRC provides services to a diverse clientele at numerous locations to university members and the community.
 
On [[January 2]], [[2006]] the Alabama A&M University [[marching band]], known as the [[Marching Maroon and White]]-Showband of the South, marched in the [[Pasadena, California]] [[Tournament of Roses Parade]]. They were first in the lineup.  In May 2008, the Alabama A&M University Choir was slated to participate in the [[American Choral Music Festival]] in [[Leipzig, Germany]].
 
===Presidents===
* William H. Councill||1875 - 1909
* William Buchanan||1909 - 1920
* Theophilus Parker||1920 - 1927
* Joseph Fanning Drake||1927 - 1962
* Richard Morrison||1962 - 1984
* Douglas Covington||1984 - 1987
* Carl Marbury||1987 - 1991
* David Henson||1991 - 1995
* John Gibson||1996 - 2005
* Robert R. Jennings||2006 - [[March 31]], [[2008]]
 
One of its most influential and longest-serving presidents was its fourth, [[Joseph Fanning Drake]], who served from [[1927]] until [[1962]]. Drake's appointment request by the legislature was made when he was previously Dean of the College at [[Alabama State College]] in [[Montgomery, Alabama]].


==Notable alumni==
==Notable alumni==
* [[Howard Ballard]] - football player
* [[Oscar Adams, Sr]], minister and publisher
* [[Cleon Jones]] - baseball player
* [[Ahmad Austin]] (2000), painter and art instructor
* [[Brick Haley]] - football coach
* [[Johnny Baldwin]] (2007), football player
* [[John Stallworth]] - football player
* [[Howard Ballard]], football player
* [[Ruben Studdard]] - ''American Idol'' winner
* [[Jesse Champion]], radio announcer and jazz musician
* [[Barry Wagner]] - football player
* [[Linda Coleman]] (1971), former [[Birmingham City Council]] member, current state senator
* [[Robert Mathis]] - football player
* [[Clyde Foster]] (1954), mathematician and NASA official
 
* [[Hadiyah-Nicole Green]] (2003), biophysicist
===Library===
* [[Brick Haley]], football coach
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; 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.
* [[Ethel Hall]], educator, member of [[Alabama Board of Education]]
 
* [[Sandral Hullett]], hospital administator
In [[1931]], Miss Lucille A. Love, a graduate of the Library School at Hampton Institute, became the first professional librarian.
* [[Cleon Jones]], baseball player
 
* [[Jo Jones]], jazz drummer
In [[1947]], the library was enlarged 5,000 square feet, which reflected the college's growth. So rapid was the college's student growth that they even outgrew the nearly 10,000 square foot library, and in [[1962]], a new reference annex was added. In January [[1968]], a new 60,000 square foot 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.
* [[Robert Mathis]], football player
 
* [[Henry Panion]], composer and arranger
In [[1972]], the Educational Media Center and the Library merged to form the Learning Resources Center, which incorporates interactive and multi-media. 
* [[Jay Roberson]] (1995), football player
 
* [[John Stallworth]], football player
In [[2002]] the competition of the latest renovation saw the [LRC] become a 75,000 square-foot structure now housing over 400,000 volumes, digital research sources and other student oriented services.
* [[Ruben Studdard]], ''American Idol'' winner
* [[Evelyn Teague]], dentist
* [[Barry Wagner]], football player
* [[Patrick Whitehead]] (2000), band director
* [[Miriam Witherspoon]], attorney and former [[Birmingham City Council]] member


==References==
==References==
* "Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 31 Mar 2008, 17:58 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 31 Mar 2008 [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alabama_Agricultural_and_Mechanical_University&oldid=202343625].
* "[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alabama_Agricultural_and_Mechanical_University Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University]" (March 31, 2008) Wikipedia - accessed March 31, 2008
* Morrison, Richard David. History of Alabama Agricultural and
* Morrison, Richard David (1994) ''History of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University : 1875-1992''. Huntsville, Alabama: Liberal Arts Press ISBN 0962362719
Mechanical University : 1875-1992. Huntsville, Ala. : Liberal Arts
* Gattis, Paul (December 2, 2020) "Alabama A&M President Andrew Hugine announces retirement; oversaw record growth." {{BN}}
Press, c1994.
* Saintjones, Jerome (2006).  Publications. Office of Information and Public Relations, Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama


==External links==
==External links==
Line 169: Line 70:


[[Category:Alabama A&M University|*]]
[[Category:Alabama A&M University|*]]
{{GFDL}}

Latest revision as of 14:53, 18 October 2021

Alabama A&M logo.png

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, also known as Alabama A&M University or AAMU, is an historically black college located in the community of Normal near Huntsville (Madison County). It was established by the Alabama state legislature in 1873 as the Colored Normal School at Huntsville for the education of black teachers.

The University has an enrollment of over 5,700 students in 24 academic programs taught by 1,081 faculty and staff. It is accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools and has one of the largest graduate schools of any historically black college. It offers doctoral programs in physics, plant/soil science, and reading/literacy. The university operates a regional headquarters of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Andrew Hugine is the university's president, appointed in June 2009. The last president, Robert Jennings, was fired by the board of trustees in March 2008. Beverly Edmond served as interim president.

A&M's colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog. Alabama A&M University is the licensee for National Public Radio affiliate station WJAB-FM 90.9, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus.

History

The school opened its doors on Clinton Street in Huntsville on May 1, 1875 with 61 students, two full-time instructors and William Hooper Councill as its first president. In 1885 the name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville and an industrial training building was constructed. Five years later the school was designated as a land-grant college with a 183-acre campus outside of Huntsville.

The new location was named "Normal" when a post office was established. Students constructed residence halls and programs in agriculture were added to the curriculum. In 1896 the name was changed to the State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes. Arts courses were added the following year and W. C. Handy became the schools music director. A library was built in 1904 with funds from the Carnegie Corporation. During the 1910s A&M began fielding athletic teams in football and baseball.

In 1939 the college was authorized by the Alabama Board of Education to offer senior college level courses. In 1949 the name was changed to Alabama A&M College. It was first accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1963, and became Alabama A&M University in 1969.

In 1981 a desegregation case opened the university's admissions to all applicants regardless of race. The physics department began offering a Ph.D. program in 1986. The Master of Social Work program accepted its first students in 1995. The college joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1997.


Athletics

Alabama A&M's athletics department sponsors men's intercollegiate basketball, football, baseball, cross-country, golf, soccer, 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 Bulldogs compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The football program is part of the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA). The Bulldogs participate in the annual Magic City Classic football game against Alabama State University. The football team plays its home games at the $10 million Louis Crews Stadium, constructed in 1996. They won their first SWAC football championship in 2006.

Presidents

  • William H. Councill, 1875–1909
  • William Buchanan, 1909–1920
  • Theophilus Parker, 1920–1927
  • Joseph Fanning Drake, 1927–1962
  • Richard Morrison, 1962–1984
  • Douglas Covington, 1984–1987
  • Carl Marbury, 1987–1991
  • David Henson, 1991–1995
  • John Gibson, 1996–2005
  • Robert R. Jennings, September 16, 2006–March 31, 2008
  • Andrew Hugine, 2008–2021

Notable alumni

References

  • "Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University" (March 31, 2008) Wikipedia - accessed March 31, 2008
  • Morrison, Richard David (1994) History of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University : 1875-1992. Huntsville, Alabama: Liberal Arts Press ISBN 0962362719
  • Gattis, Paul (December 2, 2020) "Alabama A&M President Andrew Hugine announces retirement; oversaw record growth." The Birmingham News

External links

Retrieved from "http://bhamwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Alabama_A%26M_University&oldid=185046"