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[[Image:Alabama A&M logo.png|right]]
[[Image:Alabama A&M logo.png|right]]
'''Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University''', also known as '''Alabama A&M University''' or '''AAMU''', is an historically black college located in the community of Normal near Huntsville (Madison County). It was established by the Alabama state legislature in [[1873]] as the '''Colored Normal School at Huntsville''' for the education of black teachers. It opened on [[May 1]], [[1875]] with 61 students, two full-time instructors and [[William Councill|William Hooper Councill]] as its first president.
'''Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University''', also known as '''Alabama A&M University''' or '''AAMU''', is an historically black college located in the community of Normal near Huntsville (Madison County). It was established by the Alabama state legislature in [[1873]] as the '''Colored Normal School at Huntsville''' for the education of black teachers.


In [[1885]] the name was changed to the '''State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville''' and an industrial training building was constructed. Five years later the school was designated as a land-grant college with a 183-acre campus outside of Huntsville. The new location was named "Normal" when a post office was established. Students constructed residence halls and programs in agriculture were added to the curriculum. In [[1896]] the name was changed to the '''State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes'''.
The University has an enrollment of over 5,700 students in 24 academic programs taught by 1,081 faculty and staff. It is accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools and has one of the largest graduate schools of any historically black college. It offers doctoral programs in physics, plant/soil science, and reading/literacy. The university operates a regional headquarters of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.


==Athletics==
The last president, Robert R. Jennings, was fired by the Board of Trustees in March [[2008]]. A&M's colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog.  
Alabama A&M's colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog. Alabama A&M's sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA for football) in the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] (SWAC). The Alabama A&M Department of Athletics sponsors men's intercollegiate  basketball, football, baseball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis and track &  field along with women's intercollegiate tennis, basketball, soccer,  track,  cross country, bowling, volleyball and softball. Also offered are men's and women's swimming clubs.


Alabama A&M University is the licensee for National Public Radio affiliate station [[WJAB-FM]] 90.9, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus.  
Alabama A&M University is the licensee for National Public Radio affiliate station [[WJAB-FM]] 90.9, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus.  


==History==
The school opened its doors on Clinton Street in Huntsville on [[May 1]], [[1875]] with 61 students, two full-time instructors and [[William Councill|William Hooper Councill]] as its first president. In [[1885]] the name was changed to the '''State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville''' and an industrial training building was constructed. Five years later the school was designated as a land-grant college with a 183-acre campus outside of Huntsville.


The new location was named "Normal" when a post office was established. Students constructed residence halls and programs in agriculture were added to the curriculum. In [[1896]] the name was changed to the '''State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes'''. Arts courses were added the following year and [[W. C. Handy]] became the schools music director. A library was built in [[1904]] with funds from the Carnegie Corporation. During the 1910s A&M began fielding athletic teams in football and baseball.


[[1897]]: [[Art]] Painting Department added to curriculum.
In [[1939]] the college was authorized by the Alabama Board of Education to offer senior college level courses. In [[1949]] the name was changed to '''Alabama A&M College'''. It was first accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in [[1963]], and became '''Alabama A&M University''' in [[1969]].


[[1901]]: First honorary degree awarded.
In [[1981]] a desegregation case opened the university's admissions to all applicants regardless of race. The physics department began offering a Ph.D. program in [[1986]]. The Master of Social Work program accepted its first students in [[1995]]. The college joined the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] in [[1997]].


[[1903]]: Blues great [[W.C. Handy]] leaves as band director.


[[1910]]: [[American football]] began.
==Athletics==
 
Alabama A&M's athletics department sponsors men's intercollegiate  basketball, football, baseball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis and track &  field along with women's intercollegiate tennis, basketball, soccer,  track,  cross country, bowling, volleyball and softball. Also offered are men's and women's swimming clubs.
[[1912]]: First baseball game.
 
[[1927]]: Joseph Fanning Drake becomes fourth president and institutes a massive building program.
 
[[1939]]: State Board of Education gives authority to offer course work on the senior college level.
 
[[1949]]: Name changed to Alabama A&M College.
 
[[1963]]: AAMU becomes fully accredited by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]].
 
[[1965]]: Intercollegiate [[soccer]] began.
 
[[1969]]: State Board of Education adopts a resolution changing the name of the institution to Alabama A&M University.
 
[[1970]]: Office of Alumni Affairs established. Phillip L. Redrick became first director.
 
[[1975]]: University observed Centennial. Elmore Health Sciences Building constructed.
 
[[1977]]: [[Volleyball]] for women began.
 
[[1981]]: [[Desegregation]] case began.
 
[[1984]]: Dr. Douglas Covington became AAMU's sixth president.
 
[[1985]]: AAMU signs memorandum of understanding with [[Kansas State University]]/[[USAID]].
 
[[1986]]: Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm addressed "Women's Week" activities. University announced approval of [[Ph.D.]] program in [[physics]]. Department of [[Mathematics]] received [[NASA]] research grant.
 
[[1987]]: Dr. Carl Harris Marbury was named interim president.
 
[[1989]]: Carl Harris Marbury becomes seventh president.
 
[[1990]]: The University holds its first Grand Reunion, initiated by Dr. Carl Harris Marbury and Georgia S. Valrie, Director of Alumni Affairs.
 
[[1991]]: Board of Trustees named [[Dr. Alan Lee Keyes]] Interim President.
 
[[1992]]: Dr. David Bernard Henson becomes eighth president. First AAMU Athletic Hall of Fame induction held.
 
[[1994]]: Mamie Labon Foster Student Living/Learning Complex erected. First African-American Ph.D. recipients in physics. University's SACS accreditation reaffirmed.
 
[[1995]]: Groundbreaking held for new School of Business facility; stadium and residence hall construction begins. Master of Social Work Program accepts first students. Dr. Virginia Caples, vice president for academic affairs, becomes the first woman to head (interim) the University in the school's 120-year history.
 
[[1996]]: Dr. John T. Gibson named ninth president in July. AAMU launches Councill Challenge Campaign. Football returns to campus at the new $10 Million [[Louis Crews Stadium]].
 
[[Image:Dawson-bldg.jpg|right|thumb|224px|The logo of the unified Alabama Cooperative Extension System is displayed in front of the James I. Dawson Cooperative Extension Building, named in honor the former associate dean for Extension and administrator of the Alabama A&M University Cooperative Extension Program.  The Dawson Building serves as the Alabama A&M University headquarters of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.]][[1997]]: Unified [[Alabama Cooperative Extension System]] unveils new logo. Patrick Grayson makes [[USA Today]] All-USA Academic First Team. Filmmaker Spike Lee visits. AAMU joins [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] (SWAC).


[[1998]]: Ryan Swain makes USA Today All-USA Academic First Team. Nobel Laureate series begins under coordination of AAMU physicist Ravi B. Lal.
The Bulldogs compete in the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]]. The football program is part of the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA). The Bulldogs participate in the annual [[Magic City Classic]] football game against [[Alabama State University]]. The football team plays its home games at the $10 million [[Louis Crews Stadium]], constructed in [[1996]]. They won their first SWAC football championship in [[2006]].
 
[[1999]]: AAMU Research Institute started.
 
[[2000]]: AAMU observes its 125th anniversary celebration in January.
 
[[2001]]: AAMU’s fundraising efforts earn it the distinction of lead institution in the [[Tom Joyner]] Foundation/HBCU program. Accreditation announced and earth work begins on new School of Engineering and Technology; library renovations underway; athletic complex expands.
 
[[2002]]: Learning Resources Center renovations completed. Engineering and Technology building erected. [[Social Work]] re-accredited. Forestry gains national accreditation. Normal Hill renovations extensive. Councill Challenge Campaign goal reached.
 
[[2003]]: New School of [[Engineering]] and [[Technology]] Building opens for classes in January. Mary Frances Berry addresses Commencement. Fourth doctoral program in Reading/Literacy announced. AAMU researchers study volcanic ash in Montserrat. HSCaRS hosts study on interaction between land surface and the atmosphere. AAMU offers training on multimillion dollar EDS software. Normalite [[Ruben Studdard]] named “American Idol.”
 
[[2004]]: Councill Federal Credit Union celebrates 50th anniversary. Councill Memorial Statue unveiled in October. AAMU welcomes its 7th Nobel Laureate lecturer in physics.
 
[[2006]]:The football team won its first SWAC Championship.
 
[[2007]]:The Alabama A&M University Choir became the first HBCU Choir to be invited to attend the American Choral Festival in Germany
 
===Recent Events & Modern History===
 
Dr. [[Robert R. Jennings]] was chosen in January 2006 by the AAMU Board of Trustees to guide the more than 130-year-old institution as its 10th president. His official inauguration was Saturday, [[September 16]] 2006.
 
In [[2002]], a renovation added over 15,000 square feet (1,400 m²), an interactive Distance Learning Auditorium, conference, study and class rooms, lounges, computer lab and much more. The LRC provides services to a diverse clientele at numerous locations to university members and the community.
 
On [[January 2]], [[2006]] the Alabama A&M University [[marching band]], known as the [[Marching Maroon and White]]-Showband of the South, marched in the [[Pasadena, California]] [[Tournament of Roses Parade]]. They were first in the lineup.  In May 2008, the Alabama A&M University Choir was slated to participate in the [[American Choral Music Festival]] in [[Leipzig, Germany]].


===Presidents===
===Presidents===
Line 101: Line 33:
* David Henson||1991 - 1995
* David Henson||1991 - 1995
* John Gibson||1996 - 2005
* John Gibson||1996 - 2005
* Robert R. Jennings||2006 - [[March 31]], [[2008]]
* Robert R. Jennings|| [[September 16]], [[2006]] - [[March 31]], [[2008]]


One of its most influential and longest-serving presidents was its fourth, [[Joseph Fanning Drake]], who served from [[1927]] until [[1962]]. Drake's appointment request by the legislature was made when he was previously Dean of the College at [[Alabama State College]] in [[Montgomery, Alabama]].
One of its most influential and longest-serving presidents was its fourth, [[Joseph Fanning Drake]], who served from [[1927]] until [[1962]]. Drake's appointment request by the legislature was made when he was previously Dean of the College at [[Alabama State College]] in [[Montgomery, Alabama]].
Line 113: Line 45:
* [[Barry Wagner]] - football player
* [[Barry Wagner]] - football player
* [[Robert Mathis]] - football player
* [[Robert Mathis]] - football player
===Library===
The first library on the campus was built with funds from the Carnegie Foundation in 1904 for $12,000, and was named for its benefactor, Andrew Carnegie. In the 1940s, it was remodeled at a cost of $70,000 and provided additional book stacks and reading rooms. The library was two stories tall, and with a little over 4,000 square feet; it served several purposes and housed the offices of the President, Business Manager and Treasurer, Home and Farm Demonstration Agents, the U.S. Post Office at Normal, and on the second floor, living quarters for male faculty.
In [[1931]], Miss Lucille A. Love, a graduate of the Library School at Hampton Institute, became the first professional librarian.
In [[1947]], the library was enlarged 5,000 square feet, which reflected the college's growth. So rapid was the college's student growth that they even outgrew the nearly 10,000 square foot library, and in [[1962]], a new reference annex was added. In January [[1968]], a new 60,000 square foot library was completed and occupied and was named in honor of Dr Drake. It was designed to house 300,000 volumes and 1,000 students.
In [[1972]], the Educational Media Center and the Library merged to form the Learning Resources Center, which incorporates interactive and multi-media. 
In [[2002]] the competition of the latest renovation saw the [LRC] become a 75,000 square-foot structure now housing over 400,000 volumes, digital research sources and other student oriented services.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Alabama A&M University|*]]
[[Category:Alabama A&M University|*]]
{{GFDL}}

Revision as of 14:38, 31 March 2008

Alabama A&M logo.png

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, also known as Alabama A&M University or AAMU, is an historically black college located in the community of Normal near Huntsville (Madison County). It was established by the Alabama state legislature in 1873 as the Colored Normal School at Huntsville for the education of black teachers.

The University has an enrollment of over 5,700 students in 24 academic programs taught by 1,081 faculty and staff. It is accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools and has one of the largest graduate schools of any historically black college. It offers doctoral programs in physics, plant/soil science, and reading/literacy. The university operates a regional headquarters of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

The last president, Robert R. Jennings, was fired by the Board of Trustees in March 2008. A&M's colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog.

Alabama A&M University is the licensee for National Public Radio affiliate station WJAB-FM 90.9, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus.

History

The school opened its doors on Clinton Street in Huntsville on May 1, 1875 with 61 students, two full-time instructors and William Hooper Councill as its first president. In 1885 the name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville and an industrial training building was constructed. Five years later the school was designated as a land-grant college with a 183-acre campus outside of Huntsville.

The new location was named "Normal" when a post office was established. Students constructed residence halls and programs in agriculture were added to the curriculum. In 1896 the name was changed to the State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes. Arts courses were added the following year and W. C. Handy became the schools music director. A library was built in 1904 with funds from the Carnegie Corporation. During the 1910s A&M began fielding athletic teams in football and baseball.

In 1939 the college was authorized by the Alabama Board of Education to offer senior college level courses. In 1949 the name was changed to Alabama A&M College. It was first accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1963, and became Alabama A&M University in 1969.

In 1981 a desegregation case opened the university's admissions to all applicants regardless of race. The physics department began offering a Ph.D. program in 1986. The Master of Social Work program accepted its first students in 1995. The college joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1997.


Athletics

Alabama A&M's athletics department sponsors men's intercollegiate basketball, football, baseball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis and track & field along with women's intercollegiate tennis, basketball, soccer, track, cross country, bowling, volleyball and softball. Also offered are men's and women's swimming clubs.

The Bulldogs compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The football program is part of the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA). The Bulldogs participate in the annual Magic City Classic football game against Alabama State University. The football team plays its home games at the $10 million Louis Crews Stadium, constructed in 1996. They won their first SWAC football championship in 2006.

Presidents

  • William H. Councill||1875 - 1909
  • William Buchanan||1909 - 1920
  • Theophilus Parker||1920 - 1927
  • Joseph Fanning Drake||1927 - 1962
  • Richard Morrison||1962 - 1984
  • Douglas Covington||1984 - 1987
  • Carl Marbury||1987 - 1991
  • David Henson||1991 - 1995
  • John Gibson||1996 - 2005
  • Robert R. Jennings|| September 16, 2006 - March 31, 2008

One of its most influential and longest-serving presidents was its fourth, Joseph Fanning Drake, who served from 1927 until 1962. Drake's appointment request by the legislature was made when he was previously Dean of the College at Alabama State College in Montgomery, Alabama.

Notable alumni

References

  • "Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 31 Mar 2008, 17:58 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 31 Mar 2008 [1].
  • Morrison, Richard David. History of Alabama Agricultural and

Mechanical University : 1875-1992. Huntsville, Ala. : Liberal Arts Press, c1994.

  • Saintjones, Jerome (2006). Publications. Office of Information and Public Relations, Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama

External links

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