Miles College
Fairfield, AL
Quick Facts
“Sapientia et Pax et Amor Omnibus”(Wisdom and Peace and Love for all.)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Miles College
Miles College: A historic HBCU empowering students since 1898 with a legacy of faith and learning.
Miles College stands as a proud private historically black college (HBCU) with a rich legacy of education and community empowerment. Founded in 1898 by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (now the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church), it has consistently upheld its motto, "Sapientia et Pax et Amor Omnibus" (Wisdom and Peace and Love for All), guiding generations of students toward academic excellence and meaningful lives.
From its humble beginnings, the college, initially chartered as Miles Memorial College, quickly established itself as a beacon of learning. It navigated the early 20th century, including a crucial move to its present Fairfield, Alabama campus in 1907 and the significant milestone of awarding its first bachelor's degrees in 1911. The institution's resilience was notably demonstrated as it successfully weathered the formidable challenges of the Great Depression, ensuring its enduring commitment to its student body.
Today, Miles College continues its forward momentum under the dynamic leadership of its first female President, Dr. Bobbie Knight. The college recently received a groundbreaking $1 million donation from Alabama native Charles Barkley, marking the largest single gift in its history. This generous contribution not only underscores the institution's growing prominence but also propels its ambitious plans for future growth and enhanced student opportunities, making it an exciting time to be part of the Miles College community.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1898 by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (now Christian Methodist Episcopal Church).
- ✦A proud private historically black college (HBCU) serving 1,500 students.
- ✦Motto: "Sapientia et Pax et Amor Omnibus" (Wisdom and Peace and Love for All).
- ✦Awarded its first bachelor's degrees in 1911, marking an early commitment to higher education.
- ✦Led by its first female President, Dr. Bobbie Knight.
- ✦Received a record-breaking $1 million donation from Charles Barkley in 2020, the largest single gift in its history.
- ✦Successfully navigated the challenges of the Great Depression, demonstrating institutional resilience and dedication.
Timeline
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