Spring Hill College
Mobile, AL
Quick Facts
“In Colle Exaltatus Fons Sapientiae (Latin)”(A Spring of Wisdom Lifted Up on the Hill)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Spring Hill College
Alabama's oldest college: A Jesuit legacy of courage, community, and groundbreaking education.
Step into a rich legacy at Spring Hill College, the oldest institution of higher education in Alabama and a pioneer among Southern colleges. Founded in 1830 by Bishop Michael Portier and eventually stewarded by the Society of Jesus, Spring Hill embodies a deep commitment to Jesuit values of intellectual rigor, social justice, and service. It stands as the third-oldest Jesuit college in the United States, offering an education that challenges students to think critically and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Spring Hill College holds a significant place in the narrative of American history, particularly for its courageous actions during the Civil Rights era. Long before many institutions in the South, Spring Hill integrated its student body in 1954, just months after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling. This pioneering spirit was further exemplified by its students who bravely confronted the Ku Klux Klan during a 1957 incident, demonstrating the strong community and moral conviction that defines the college. The school's journey includes adapting to societal changes, from forming military companies during the Civil War to becoming co-educational in 1952, always rooted in its mission to educate the whole person.
Prospective students will find a vibrant and resilient community at Spring Hill, where history intertwines with a forward-looking approach to learning. With a student body of 927, the college fosters a close-knit environment where students are encouraged to excel academically and grow personally. The engaging curriculum, shaped by centuries of Jesuit educational tradition, prepares graduates not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and leadership, making Spring Hill College an inspiring choice for those seeking a transformative collegiate experience.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1830, it is Alabama's oldest institution of higher education and among the oldest colleges in the South.
- ✦The third-oldest Jesuit college in the United States, known for its rigorous academic and spiritual formation.
- ✦Pioneered co-education in 1952 and became one of the first Southern colleges to integrate in 1954, with Fannie E. Motley becoming the first black graduate in 1956.
- ✦Students famously confronted the Ku Klux Klan in 1957, demonstrating the college's commitment to justice.
- ✦Current enrollment stands at 927 students, fostering a close-knit learning community.
- ✦Welcomed its first female president, Mary H. Van Brunt, in 2023.
Timeline
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