Alabama State University
Alabama State University is a trusted and reputable Higher Learning Institution in Marion Alabama. Today, the University is proud to offer a diverse range of educational programs where students not only learn about practical subjects but also gain lifelong learning. From the simple beginning as the Lincoln Normal School, Alabama State University has experienced a century of excellence and innovation. Today, Alabama State University has over 5,000 students from 42 states and 7 countries. Alabama State University offers 47 degree programs including Undergraduate, Masters and Phd degrees. The University has 7 degree-granting schools, college and divisions including:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Education
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Division Of Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)
- School of Graduate Studies
Founded in 1867 as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion, the University was initially a private institution for blacks. The Lincoln School was incorporated in 1867 and opened with 113 students. Having declared the Lincoln School Normal, the State Board accepted the transfer of title to the school, also authorizing the state to fund a Normal School. In 1874, the Alabama State University became America’s first state-funded educational institution for blacks.
William Paterson was honored as a founder of Alabama State University and was the President for 37 years. The university moved from Marion to Montgomery but was forced to change its name to the Normal School for Colored Students. Years later, Lincoln Normal School became a junior college and a full four-year institution in 1928. The college became State Teachers College in 1929, Alabama State College for Negroes in 1948, Alabama State College in 1954 and Alabama State University in 1969.
In the early 1990s witnessed the beginning of WAPR-FM (Alabama Public Radio), which Alabama State University and Troy University, both of which already held station licenses of their own, cooperated with the University of Alabama in building and operating. WAPR-FM 88.3--Selma - The signal reaches the region known colloquially as the Black Belt, about 13 counties in the west central and central parts of Alabama, including the city of Montgomery.
Student activities
Alabama State University is an amalgam of students from different countries, cultures and traditions. There’re several social, cultural and religious groups with their own feel. Students can also have musical opportunities to enjoy, such as the Marching Hornets, Symphonic Band and the University Choir, and departmental organizations for most majors.
Students are encouraged to pen their thoughts, experiences and anything good for their fellows in ‘Students Publications’. They are served by two media publications mainly. The Hornet Tribune is a student newspaper whereas The HORNET is the student yearbook. Also of interest and pride is a group of students called the Golden Ambassadors. It is a highly select group of extraordinary students who are the official greeting body for the University.
Extra Curricular Activities
Alabama State charters over 70 student organizations, including nine Greek-letter organizations, 17 honors organizations and a wide range of men’s and women’s intramural as well as intercollegiate sports. As of sports, ASU’s Department of Athletics currently sponsors Men’s Inter-collegiate football, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, track and cheerleading along with Women’s Intercollegiate basketball, soccer, softball, bowling, tennis, track, volleyball, golf and cheerleading. The university’s home colors are black and gold and uses nickname the Hornets.
The Alabama State University is a home of the Marching Hornets. They broke to mainstream popularity for their active participation in the halftime shows on NBC’s national televised professional football games. The Marching Hornets put together a halftime show saluting the late, great Joe Louis in 1880, performed at the second annual Freedom Bowl classic in Fulton Stadium, Atlanta in 1985 and presented a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1986. The band gave their recent performance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2007.
Alabama State University features the Stingettes and Honey Bees as its dance line. The Stingettes derived its name from the stinger of the Hornet mascot whereas Honey Bees are a group of four to five plus sized dancers. ASU also sponsors a big band jazz orchestra named the Bama State Collegians.
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