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Miles College

Fairfield, AL

private nonprofitHBCUbachelors

Quick Facts

Sapientia et Pax et Amor Omnibus(Wisdom and Peace and Love for all.)

1898
Founded
Private historically black college
Type
1,500
Total Students
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Bobbie Knight

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Miles College

Miles College: A Historic HBCU Forging Future Leaders Since 1898.

Miles College stands as a vibrant Historically Black College, rich in history and unwavering in its commitment to educational excellence. Founded in 1898 by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (now the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church), it has been a cornerstone of opportunity and advancement for generations. Under the dynamic leadership of its first female president, Dr. Bobbie Knight, the college continues to build on its legacy, fostering a community dedicated to growth and scholarship.

From its origins as Miles Memorial College, named in honor of Bishop William H. Miles, the institution quickly established itself as a beacon of learning. It bravely navigated significant historical challenges, including the Great Depression, thanks to resilient leadership. Relocating to its current Fairfield, Alabama campus in 1907, Miles College has consistently adapted and thrived, awarding its first bachelor's degrees in 1911 and officially changing its name to Miles College in 1941.

Today, Miles College serves approximately 1500 students, offering a nurturing and engaging academic environment. The student experience is further enriched by a community that values both tradition and progress. A testament to its bright future, the college recently received its largest single donation—a transformative $1 million gift from Alabama native Charles Barkley in 2020. This significant contribution, championed by President Knight, is poised to kickstart ambitious fundraising efforts and further elevate the college's standing and impact, promising exciting opportunities for all who choose to learn and grow within its historic halls.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1898 by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
  • A proud Historically Black College (HBCU) with over a century of history.
  • Led by its trailblazing first female president, Dr. Bobbie Knight.
  • Received the largest single donation in its history: $1 million from Charles Barkley in 2020.
  • Serves approximately 1500 students, fostering a close-knit academic community.
  • Successfully navigated the challenges of the Great Depression, demonstrating remarkable institutional resilience.

Timeline

1893
Organization efforts for the college began.
1898
Founded as Miles Memorial College by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church.
1907
Relocated from Booker City to its present campus in Fairfield, Alabama.
1911
Awarded its inaugural bachelor's degrees.
1941
Renamed from Miles Memorial College to Miles College.
2020
Dr. Bobbie Knight became the first female president; Charles Barkley donated $1 million, the largest single gift in the school's history.
🏛️
128 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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