Spring Hill College

Spring Hill College, founded in 1830, holds a distinctive place as Alabama's oldest institution of higher education and the third-oldest Jesuit college in the United States. Steeped in a rich legacy of intellectual rigor and service, this private college offers a unique educational experience guided by its Jesuit tradition. Students at Spring Hill join a community that values deep inquiry, ethical leadership, and a commitment to justice, all within a beautiful campus setting near Mobile.

From its founding by Bishop Michael Portier to its stewardship by the Society of Jesus since 1847, Spring Hill College has navigated significant historical periods with resilience. The college played a subtle yet important role during the Civil War, educating future leaders and even contributing chaplains. Later, it became a quiet but powerful force in the Civil Rights Movement, notably integrating in 1954, just months after Brown v. Board of Education, a move commended by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This courageous stance highlights the institution's enduring commitment to its values.

With its "In Colle Exaltatus Fons Sapientiae" (In the Hill Exalted a Fountain of Wisdom) motto, Spring Hill encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth. The college's intimate size, with 927 students, fosters a close-knit community where students can thrive academically and personally. The spirit of the student body is perhaps best exemplified by their bold confrontation of the Ku Klux Klan during an attempted cross-burning in 1957, demonstrating a profound sense of community and conviction. Recent history continues to be made with Mary H. Van Brunt becoming the college's first female president in 2023.