Members of Southern University’s chapter (Alpha Sigma) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (L-R Jonas Vanderbilt, Channing Donald and Todd A. Smith) pose at the fraternity plot on the campus of Alabama A&M University (Photo courtesy of Channing Donald).
Unfortunately, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) often make the news for shutting its doors or losing accreditation.
However, Alabama A&M University (AAMU) is bucking that trend as it attempts to purchase Birmingham Southern College (BSC) for $52 million.
Alabama A&M Vice-President of Government Relations and External Affairs Shannon Reeves said, “If the purchase agreement is accepted by BSC, AAMU makes a commitment that the campus would not be subdivided for private industries or any other for-profit use. AAMU is committed to using the entire campus to provide a quality higher education experience for each and every student.”
If the purchase goes through, Alabama A&M will retain Birmingham Southern’s credentialed faculty and staff.
Birmingham Southern would operate as a standalone campus under Alabama A&M’s umbrella.
Led by Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham, Ala.), Birmingham Southern made an unsuccessful effort to secure a state loan to prevent the school’s closure.
Birmingham Southern is in Givan’s district.
The congressperson confirmed that Alabama A&M put in a $52 million bid to buy the college.
Givan said, “If they should get it, this would be a historic moment, not only for the state of Alabama but for the country.”
If the sale goes through it would mark the first time an HBCU purchased a predominantly White institution (PWI).
She added, “We want someone to bring life and vitality [to the BSC campus and the surrounding area]. Well, Alabama A&M is one of the strongest HBCUs in the country.”
Howard Koplowitz of AL.com reported, “BSC has an assessed value of $55 million and an assessed liquidation value of $25 million.
“About 1,000 AAMU students are projected to be at the BSC campus by the fall 2025 semester if the offer is accepted. The HBCU has a goal of 3,500 students on the campus by 2029.
“BSC, a private, liberal arts college with roots reaching back 168 years, announced in March that it would close May 31 after efforts to obtain a loan from the state Legislature failed.”
Reeves said that Alabama A&M was seeking some state funding to assist in purchasing the 192-acre campus.
The Huntsville, Ala. university has experienced growth in recent years.
The school had an all-time high in enrollment with 6,600 students this past school year.
Additionally, Alabama A&M had a freshman class of 2,100 students this past school year.
Reeves said, “Our numbers are up. Our concern is trying to house these students. We’re projected to go over 7,000 in the fall. So, the demand for our academic offerings and what we’re doing at Alabama A&M, the demand for students is there.”
Adding Birmingham Southern to its system makes sense for many administrators at Alabama A&M because of the school’s close ties to Birmingham, Ala.
Every year, Alabama A&M battles Alabama State University on the gridiron in the Magic City Classic, which takes place in Birmingham, Ala.
Furthermore, 10 percent of Alabama A&M’s student body is from Birmingham, Ala.
Additionally, Jackson County, Ala. has more Alabama A&M alumni than any other county in the state.
Although Birmingham Southern will consider all offers and opportunities, Givan said if the Alabama A&M deal goes through it will give the Magic City Classic greater visibility.
She said, “This city will be lit. That’s from the Urban Dictionary, but the city will be so lit it will probably be even bigger than ever before.”
Despite the attention that Alabama A&M has received for attempting to buy Birmingham Southern, the Bulldogs are not alone in their interest.
Other schools like Miles College, Alabama State and a consortium of HBCUs are interested in purchasing the private college.
Birmingham Southern Vice President for Communications and Advancement Virginia Gilbert Loftin said, “BSC continues to have fruitful conversations with several potential buyers but has not entered into a definitive agreement with anyone at this time.”
According to the Alabama A&M University website, “The university was organized in 1875 as the result of a bill passed in the State Legislature in 1873 and through the continued efforts of its first principal and president, William Hooper Councill, an ex-slave. The school opened on May 1, 1875, as the Huntsville Normal School with an appropriation of $1,000 per year, 61 students, and two teachers.
“Industrial education was introduced around 1878. It attracted wide attention, and the school was assisted financially by the Slater and Peabody Funds and private contributors…
“In 1939, by authority of the State Board of Education, the Institute was permitted to offer work on the senior college level. The first graduation class since 1920 received the bachelor’s degree in 1941, and on January 14, 1948, the name was…changed to ‘Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College.’”
Prominent alumni of Alabama A&M include football player John Stallworth, singer Ruben Studdard, civil rights activist Joseph Lowery, football player Robert Mathis, politician Mandela Barnes and mathematician Jeanette Scissum.
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