Alabama State University

Step onto the vibrant campus of Alabama State University (ASU) and become part of a legacy that began in 1867. As America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students, ASU stands as a cornerstone of history and progress. What started as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion, dedicated to training educators, has blossomed into a dynamic public historically Black university renowned for its rich heritage and forward-thinking academic environment.

ASU's journey has been one of continuous growth and adaptation. From its humble beginnings as a normal school, it evolved into a junior college, then a full four-year institution by 1928, undergoing several name changes reflecting its expansion and increasing influence. In 1969, it proudly became Alabama State University, a name that signifies its comprehensive mission. A pivotal moment in 1995, the Knight vs. Alabama decree, further propelled ASU's transformation, leading to new undergraduate and graduate programs, significant facility upgrades, and vital diversity scholarship funding, solidifying its role as a leading regional institution.

Today, with a diverse student body of over 4,000, ASU offers an enriching experience that blends rigorous academics with a vibrant community spirit. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a commitment to outreach, highlighted by university-operated radio stations like WVAS-FM, which beams 80,000 watts of power across 18 counties. Recent years have seen unprecedented support, including a historic $24.7 million federal grant in 2021 to empower Montgomery Public Schools students for higher education, and a monumental $38 million gift from MacKenzie Scott in 2025, the largest single donation in ASU's history. These investments underscore ASU's dedication to student success and its enduring impact on the community.