Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Alabama State University
Alabama State University: Pioneering education as America's first state-supported HBCU.
Step into history at Alabama State University, a vibrant Public Historically Black University (HBCU) with a legacy of innovation dating back to 1867. What began as the Lincoln Normal School, committed to teacher education, quickly evolved into America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students in 1874. This pioneering spirit continues to define ASU, which has grown from its humble beginnings in Marion to a comprehensive regional institution in Montgomery.
Today, ASU proudly serves over 4,000 students, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement is evident in its continuous growth and impact. Recent achievements include significant federal grants and philanthropic donations that bolster student support, academic programs, and K-12 college preparedness initiatives, ensuring a bright future for its students.
Beyond academics, the student experience at ASU is enriched by a thriving campus culture. Students can tune into WVAS-FM, the university's powerful 80,000-watt radio station, which not only reaches a wide regional audience but also connects a global community through its web stream. With a rich history, a forward-looking vision, and a commitment to nurturing leaders, Alabama State University offers a truly engaging and empowering educational journey.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1867, Alabama State University holds the distinction of being America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students (1874).
- ✦Serves over 4,000 students as a comprehensive public historically black university.
- ✦Received a historic $24.7 million federal grant in 2021, the largest in its history, to enhance K-12 college readiness.
- ✦Awarded the largest single gift in university history, a $38 million donation from MacKenzie Scott in 2025.
- ✦Operates WVAS-FM, an 80,000-watt public radio station, reaching over 651,000 listeners across 18 counties and streaming globally.
Timeline
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