Alabama A&M University: Difference between revisions

 

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|endowment = $48.0&nbsp;million (2019)<ref>As of June 30, 2019. {{cite web |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2019-Endowment-Market-Values–Final-Feb-10.ashx? |title=U.S. and Canadian 2019 NTSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2019 Endowment Market Value, and Percentage Change in Market Value from FY18 to FY19 (Revised) |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA |access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref>

|endowment = $48.0&nbsp;million (2019)<ref>As of June 30, 2019. {{cite web |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2019-Endowment-Market-Values–Final-Feb-10.ashx? |title=U.S. and Canadian 2019 NTSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2019 Endowment Market Value, and Percentage Change in Market Value from FY18 to FY19 (Revised) |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA |access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref>

|president = Daniel K. Wims

|president = Daniel K. Wims

|students = 6,001 (Fall 2018)<ref name=”nces.ed.gov”>{{Cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Alabama++University&s=all&id=100654|title=College Navigator – Alabama A & M University|website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref>

|students = 6,001 ( 2018)<ref name=”nces.ed.gov”>{{Cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Alabama++University&s=all&id=100654|title=College Navigator – Alabama A & M University|website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref>

|postgrad = 963 (Fall 2018)<ref name=”nces.ed.gov”/>

|postgrad = 963 ( 2018)<ref name=”nces.ed.gov”/>

|city = [[Normal, Alabama|Normal]]

|city = [[Normal, Alabama|Normal]]

|state = [[Alabama]]

|state = [[Alabama]]

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}}

}}

”’Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University”’ (”’Alabama A&M”’ or ”’AAMU”’) is a [[Public University|public]] [[Historically black colleges and universities|historically black]] [[land-grant university]] in [[Normal, Alabama|Normal]], [[Huntsville, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sacscoc.org/dtails.asp?instid=11440 | title=Results | access-date=2011-01-06 | publisher=Commission on Colleges | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051211044628/http://www.sacscoc.org/dtails.asp?instid=11440 | archive-date=2005-12-11 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.doi.gov/hrm/black.html | title=What are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)? | access-date=2011-01-06 | publisher=Department of the Interior | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051210055100/http://www.doi.gov/hrm/black.html | archive-date=2005-12-10 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Founded in 1875, it took its present name in 1969. It was one of about 180 “[[normal school]]s” founded by state governments in the 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. It was one of 23 established to train African Americans to teach in segregated schools. Some closed but most steadily expanded their role and became state colleges in the early 20th century and state universities in the late 20th century.<ref>Christine Ogren, ”The American State Normal School: ‘An Instrument of Great Good’ ” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2005) pp. 1-5, 213-235; [https://books.google.com/books?id=mUDHAAAAQBAJ&dq=OGREN+Christine&pg=PP1 online].</ref> AAMU is a member-school of the [[Thurgood Marshall College Fund]] and is accredited by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]]. [[Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Historic District]], also known as Normal Hill College Historic District, has 28 buildings and four structures listed in the [[United States National Register of Historic Places]].

”’Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University”’ (”’Alabama A&M”’ or ”’AAMU”’) is a [[Public University|public]] [[Historically black colleges and universities|historically black]] [[land-grant university]] in [[Normal, Alabama|Normal]], [[Huntsville, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sacscoc.org/dtails.asp?instid=11440 | title=Results | access-date=2011-01-06 | publisher=Commission on Colleges | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051211044628/http://www.sacscoc.org/dtails.asp?instid=11440 | archive-date=2005-12-11 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.doi.gov/hrm/black.html | title=What are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)? | access-date=2011-01-06 | publisher=Department of the Interior | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051210055100/http://www.doi.gov/hrm/black.html | archive-date=2005-12-10 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Founded in 1875, it took its present name in 1969. It was one of about 180 “[[normal school]]s” founded by state governments in the 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. It was one of 23 established to train African Americans to teach in segregated schools. Some closed but most steadily expanded their role and became state colleges in the early 20th century and state universities in the late 20th century.<ref>Christine Ogren, ”The American State Normal School: ‘An Instrument of Great Good’ ” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2005) pp. 1-5, 213-235; [https://books.google.com/books?id=mUDHAAAAQBAJ&dq=OGREN+Christine&pg=PP1 online].</ref> AAMU is a member-school of the [[Thurgood Marshall College Fund]] and is accredited by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]]. [[Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Historic District]], also known as Normal Hill College Historic District, has 28 buildings and four structures listed in the [[United States National Register of Historic Places]].

Alabama A&M’s athletic teams, known as the [[Alabama A&M Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs|Bulldogs]], compete in [[NCAA Division I]] as members of the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference|Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)]].

Alabama A&M’s athletic teams, known as the [[Alabama A&M Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs|Bulldogs]], compete in [[NCAA Division I]] as members of the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference|Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)]].

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==History==

==History==

[[File:William Hooper Councill.jpg|thumb|right|[[William Hooper Councill]]]]

[[File:William Hooper Councill.jpg|thumb|right|[[William Hooper Councill]]]]

Teacher and schoolmaster [[William Hooper Councill]] won approval for his plan for the ”’Huntsville State Normal School for Negroes”’, established by an act of the [[Alabama State Legislature]] in 1875.<ref name=”NRHP Narrative”>{{citation |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/eeec88a1-96b4-4443-a9af-38508ef0b10e |title=Alabama Agricultural and Mechanic University Historic District |type=PDF |series=National Register Of Historic Places Continuation Sheet |section=VII. Narrative |publisher=National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior}}</ref> The school opened on May 1, 1875, at a church on Eustis Street, with instruction for 61 teaching students overseen by Principal Councill, assisted by Rev. Alfred Hunt.<ref name=”NRHP Narrative”/> By 1878, the state appropriation increased from $1,000 to $2,000 and the school expanded its enrollment and curriculum.<ref name=”NRHP Narrative”/>

Teacher and schoolmaster [[William Hooper Councill]] won approval for his plan for the ”’Huntsville State Normal School for Negroes”’, established by an act of the [[Alabama State Legislature]] in 1875.<ref name=”NRHP Narrative”>{{citation |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/eeec88a1-96b4-4443-a9af-38508ef0b10e |title=Alabama Agricultural and Mechanic University Historic District |type=PDF |series=National Register Of Historic Places Continuation Sheet |section=VII. Narrative |publisher=National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior}}</ref> The school opened on May 1, 1875, at a church on Eustis Street, with instruction for 61 teaching students overseen by Principal Councill, assisted by Rev. Alfred Hunt.<ref name=”NRHP Narrative”/> By 1878, the state appropriation increased from $1,000 to $2,000 and the school expanded its enrollment and curriculum.<ref name=”NRHP Narrative”/>

In 1881, the faculty pooled money from their salaries to purchase {{convert|2+1/2|acres|spell=in}} on West Clinton Street. In 1885 the school, now with around 180 students, changed its name to ”’State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville”’, after the earlier addition of programs for sewing, printing, carpentry, mattress making and gardening.<ref name=”NRHP Narrative”/> By 1890, the school site became known as Normal, Alabama, and a post office was established. In 1891, the school was designated as a land-grant college through legislative enactment under the terms of the [[Morrill Act of 1890]]. In 1896, its name was changed to ”’The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes”’. In 1919, the school became the ”’State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute for Negroes”’. In 1948 it was renamed the ”’Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College”’. AAMU became fully accredited by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]] in 1963. In June 1969, the school adopted its current name, ”’Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University”’.

In 1881, the faculty pooled money from their salaries to purchase {{convert|2+1/2|acres|spell=in}} on West Clinton Street. In 1885 the school, now with around 180 students, changed its name to ”’State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville”’, after the earlier addition of programs for sewing, printing, carpentry, mattress making and gardening.<ref name=”NRHP Narrative”/> By 1890, the school site became known as Normal, Alabama, and a post office was established. In 1891, the school was designated as a land-grant college through legislative enactment under the terms of the [[Morrill Act of 1890]]. In 1896, its name was changed to ”’The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes”’. In 1919, the school became the ”’State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute for Negroes”’. In 1948 it was renamed the ”’Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College”’. AAMU became fully accredited by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]] in 1963. In June 1969, the school adopted its current name, ”’Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University”’.

The new millennium saw the construction of the West Campus Complex, the erection of the 21,000-seat Louis Crews Stadium, the renovations of buildings and the moving of athletic programs up to [[NCAA Division I]] and the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] (SWAC). The School of Engineering and Technology facility was built in 2002, and the Ph.D. program in Reading and Literacy was established. [[Andrew Hugine]] was approved by the board of trustees as the 11th president on June 18, 2009. In 2015, the Board of Trustees approved out-of-state scholarships for the Fall 2016 semester. The scholarships are contingent on prospective students meeting various academic qualifications.

The new millennium saw the construction of the West Campus Complex, the erection of the 21,000-seat Louis Crews Stadium, the renovations of buildings and the moving of athletic programs up to [[NCAA Division I]] and the [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] (SWAC). The School of Engineering and Technology facility was built in 2002, and the Ph.D. program in Reading and Literacy was established. [[Andrew Hugine]] was approved by the board of trustees as the 11th president on June 18, 2009. In 2015, the of approved out-of-state scholarships for the 2016 semester. The scholarships are contingent on prospective students meeting various academic qualifications.

==Campus==

==Campus==

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|oLeft = 0

|oLeft = 0

|Location = right

|Location = right

|Description = Bibb Graves Hall was renamed Buchanan Hall in 2020 to honor the University‘s 2nd president

|Description = Bibb Graves Hall was renamed Buchanan Hall in 2020 to honor the ‘s 2nd president

}}

}}

The campus grounds were designed by the [[Olmsted Brothers]] firm. The J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center was renovated in 2002, adding almost 15,000 square feet (1,400 m²), an interactive Distance Learning Auditorium, conference, study and class rooms, lounges, and computer lab. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum is located in the James H. Wilson Building, a national registered historical structure. On the third floor, the University Archives contains a collection of AAMU-related papers, paperwork, letters, and photos.

The campus grounds were designed by the [[Olmsted Brothers]] firm. The J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center was renovated in 2002, adding almost 15,000 square feet (1,400 m²), an interactive Distance Learning Auditorium, conference, study and class rooms, lounges, and computer lab. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum is located in the James H. Wilson Building, a national registered historical structure. On the third floor, the University Archives contains a collection of AAMU-related papers, paperwork, letters, and photos.

[[Louis Crews Stadium]] is the sixth largest stadium in Alabama. [[Alabama A&M Events Center]] which opened in 2022 is home to the basketball teams, commencements and other events sits adjacent to Louis Crews Stadium.

[[Louis Crews Stadium]] is the sixth largest stadium in Alabama. [[Alabama A&M Events Center]] which opened in 2022 is home to the basketball teams, commencements and other events sits adjacent to Louis Crews Stadium.

In 1994, the Mamie Foster Student Living/Learning Complex was erected. Groundbreaking was held for the School of Business facility in 1995 and Louis Crews Stadium and Ernest L. Knight Complex Residence Hall construction began. The Engineering and Technology building known as Bond Hall was completed in 2002 and opened for classes in January 2003. The Normal Historic Preservation Association was incorporated on April 15, 2009, to help preserve and protect the Alabama A&M University National Historic District. The campus is served by the Bulldog Transit Shuttle bus system. A new 600-bed residence hall was constructed and opened for students January 2018, and construction planning of a new Event Center was approved by the board of trustees in September 2019.

In 1994, the Mamie Foster Student Living/Learning Complex was erected. Groundbreaking was held for the School of Business facility in 1995 and Louis Crews Stadium and Ernest L. Knight Complex Residence Hall construction began. The Engineering and Technology building known as Bond Hall was completed in 2002 and opened for classes in January 2003. The Normal Historic Preservation Association was incorporated on April 15, 2009, to help preserve and protect the Alabama A&M University National Historic District. The campus is served by the Bulldog Transit Shuttle bus system. A new 600-bed residence hall was constructed and opened for students January 2018, and construction planning of a new Event Center was approved by the board of trustees in September 2019.

==Academics==

==Academics==

The university awards 41 Baccalaureate, 23 Master‘s, one EdS, and five PhD degrees. A selective honors program is available for academically exceptional undergraduate students.

The university awards 41 Baccalaureate, 23 ‘s, one EdS, and five PhD degrees. A selective honors program is available for academically exceptional undergraduate students.

===Colleges and schools===

===Colleges and schools===

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==Student life==

==Student life==

{| class=”wikitable floatright sortable collapsible”; text-align:right; font-size:80%;”

{| class=”wikitable floatright sortable collapsible”; text-align:right; font-size:80%;”

|+ style=”font-size:90%” |Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023<ref>{{cite web |title= College Scorecard: Alabama A & M University|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?100654-Alabama-A-M-University|website=College Scorecard |publisher=[[United States Department of Education]] |access-date=July 26, 2025 }}</ref>

|+ style=”font-size:90%” |Undergraduate demographics as of 2023<ref>{{cite web |title= College Scorecard: Alabama A & M University|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?100654-Alabama-A-M-University|website=College Scorecard |publisher=[[United States Department of Education]] |access-date=July 26, 2025 }}</ref>

|-

|-

! Race and ethnicity

! Race and ethnicity

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|align=right| {{bartable|35|%|2||background:black}}

|align=right| {{bartable|35|%|2||background:black}}

|}

|}

===Student activities===

===Student activities===

The Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development (OSALD) has oversight of and provides assistance to several student-led organizations:

The Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development (OSALD) has oversight of and provides assistance to several student-led organizations:

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=== Marching Maroon & White ===

=== Marching Maroon & White ===

[[File:AAMU Marching Maroon and White Band logo.png|alt=AAMU Marching Maroon and White Band logo|thumb|[https://www.aamuband.org/ The Marching Maroon & White]]]

[[File:AAMU Marching Maroon and White Band logo.png|alt=AAMU Marching Maroon and White Band logo|thumb|The Marching Maroon & White]]

The Marching Maroon & White is the official marching band of Alabama A&M University. There are a little over 280 members. They have performed in the [[Rose Parade]] and made numerous appearances in the [[Honda Battle of the Bands]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.aamuband.org/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=AAMU Marching Band |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, the Marching Maroon & White made history becoming the first [[HBCU band]] to lead the [[Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=Alabama A&M will lead bands in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/alabama-m-will-lead-bands-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-rcna126011 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keenum |first=Lynne |date=2023-11-16 |title=Alabama A&M Marching Maroon and White to lead the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade |url=https://www.wvtm13.com/article/alabama-aandm-marching-maroon-and-white-to-lead-the-2023-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/45848747 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=WVTM |language=en}}</ref>

The Marching Maroon & White is the official marching band of Alabama A&M University. over 280 members. performed in the [[Rose Parade]] and made numerous appearances in the [[Honda Battle of the Bands]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.aamuband.org/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=AAMU Marching Band |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, the Marching Maroon & White made history becoming the first [[HBCU band]] to lead the [[Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=Alabama A&M will lead bands in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/alabama-m-will-lead-bands-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-rcna126011 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keenum |first=Lynne |date=2023-11-16 |title=Alabama A&M Marching Maroon and White to lead the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade |url=https://www.wvtm13.com/article/alabama-aandm-marching-maroon-and-white-to-lead-the-2023-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/45848747 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=WVTM |language=en}}</ref>

The Marching Maroon & White has two auxiliaries, the Dancin’ Divas (danceline), and the Fabulous flags ([[Color guard (flag spinning)|color guard]]).

The Marching Maroon & White has two auxiliaries, the Dancin’ Divas (danceline), and the Fabulous flags ([[Color guard (flag spinning)|color guard]]).

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*Voluptuous Bulldog Beauties (VBB)-Women’s Plus Size Organization, and Dance Team

*Voluptuous Bulldog Beauties (VBB)-Women’s Plus Size Organization, and Dance Team

*AAMU Southern Belles

*AAMU Southern Belles

*The Collegiate [[100 Black Men Of America]]

*The Collegiate [[100 Black Men America]]

*Student Government Association

*Student Government Association

*AAMU Democrats

*AAMU Democrats

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*Alima Dance Company

*Alima Dance Company

*Student Health Alliance

*Student Health Alliance

*P.O.W.E.R.(Placing Opportunities Within Everyone’s Reach) Mentor Program

*P.O.W.E.R.(Placing Opportunities Within Everyone’s Reach) Mentor Program

*Forestry club/ Fire dawgs

*Forestry club/Fire

{{colend}}

{{colend}}

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<gallery class=”center” widths=”200″ heights=”200″ perrow=”6″>

<gallery class=”center” widths=”200″ heights=”200″ perrow=”6″>

File:William Hooper Councill.jpg|{{center|[[William Hooper Councill]]}} {{center|Former slave. Founded the University in 1875 from $1,000 in [[Alabama]] state appropriations}}

File:William Hooper Councill.jpg|{{center|[[William Hooper Councill]] slave the in 1875 from $1,000 in [[Alabama]] state appropriations}}

File:John Stallworth – 2019 01.jpg|{{center|[[John Stallworth]]}} {{center|Pro Football Hall of Famer and Former Pittsburgh Steeler.}}

File:John Stallworth – 2019 01.jpg|{{center|[[John Stallworth]] Pro Football Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Steeler}}

File:Rev. Joseph Lowery.jpg|{{center|[[Joseph Lowery]]}} {{center|American minister in the United Methodist Church and leader in the Civil Rights Movement.}}

File:Rev. Joseph Lowery.jpg|{{center|[[Joseph Lowery]] minister in the United Methodist Church and leader in the Civil Rights Movement}}

File:Robert Mathis.jpg|{{center|[[Robert Mathis]]}} {{center|Retired Indianapolis Colts Defensive end}}

File:Robert Mathis.jpg|{{center|[[Robert Mathis]] Indianapolis Colts end}}

File:Jearl Miles-Clark Sydney 2000.jpg|{{center|[[Jearl Miles Clark]]}} {{center|Olympic Gold Medalist}}

File:Jearl Miles-Clark Sydney 2000.jpg|{{center|[[Jearl Miles Clark]] Olympic }}

File:Ruben Studdard 2.jpg|{{center|[[Ruben Studdard]], Contemporary R&B, pop and gospel music singer}}

File:Ruben Studdard 2.jpg|{{center|[[Ruben Studdard]], R&B, pop and gospel music singer}}

File:Don Calloway.JPG|{{center|[[Don Calloway]]}} {{center|Attorney and politician from St. Louis, Missouri. Missouri House of Representatives for the 71st District in St. Louis County}}

File:Don Calloway.JPG|{{center|[[Don Calloway]] and politician from St. Louis Missouri House of Representatives for the 71st District in St. Louis County}}

File:Vivian Malone registering.jpg|{{center|[[Vivian Malone Jones]]}} {{center|one of the first two African American students to enroll at the [[University of Alabama]]}}

File:Vivian Malone registering.jpg|{{center|[[Vivian Malone Jones]] one of the first two African American students to enroll at the [[University of Alabama]]}}

File:Frank Kearse 2015.jpg|{{center|[[Frank Kearse]]}} {{center|NFL Defensive lineman}}

File:Frank Kearse 2015.jpg|{{center|[[Frank Kearse]] NFL lineman}}

File:Mandela Barnes Headshot.jpg|{{center|[[Mandela Barnes]]}} {{center|45th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin}}

File:Mandela Barnes Headshot.jpg|{{center|[[Mandela Barnes]] 45th of Wisconsin}}

</gallery>

</gallery>

== Police Department ==

== Police ==

The Alabama A&M University Department of Public Safety (DPS) is AAMU’s campus police.

The Alabama A&M University Department of Public Safety (DPS) is AAMU’s campus police.

Public university in Normal, Alabama, US

United States historic place

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M or AAMU) is a public historically black land-grant university in Normal, Huntsville, Alabama, United States.^[6][7] Founded in 1875, it took its present name in 1969. It was one of about 180 “normal schools” founded by state governments in the 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. It was one of 23 established to train African Americans to teach in segregated schools. Some closed but most steadily expanded their role and became state colleges in the early 20th century and state universities in the late 20th century.^[8] AAMU is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Historic District, also known as Normal Hill College Historic District, has 28 buildings and four structures listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places.

Alabama A&M’s athletic teams, known as the Bulldogs, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Teacher and schoolmaster William Hooper Councill won approval for his plan for the Huntsville State Normal School for Negroes, established by an act of the Alabama State Legislature in 1875.^[9] The school opened on May 1, 1875, at a church on Eustis Street, with instruction for 61 teaching students overseen by Principal Councill, assisted by Rev. Alfred Hunt.^[9] By 1878, the state appropriation increased from $1,000 to $2,000 and the school expanded its enrollment and curriculum.^[9]

In 1881, the faculty pooled money from their salaries to purchase two and a half acres (1.0 ha) on West Clinton Street. In 1885 the school, now with around 180 students, changed its name to State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville, after the earlier addition of programs for sewing, printing, carpentry, mattress making and gardening.^[9] By 1890, the school site became known as Normal, Alabama, and a post office was established. In 1891, the school was designated as a land-grant college through legislative enactment under the terms of the Morrill Act of 1890. In 1896, its name was changed to The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes. In 1919, the school became the State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute for Negroes. In 1948 it was renamed the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College. AAMU became fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1963. In June 1969, the school adopted its current name, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.

The new millennium saw the construction of the West Campus Complex, the erection of the 21,000-seat Louis Crews Stadium, the renovations of buildings and the moving of athletic programs up to NCAA Division I and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The School of Engineering and Technology facility was built in 2002, and the Ph.D. program in Reading and Literacy was established. Andrew Hugine was approved by the board of trustees as the 11th president on June 18, 2009. In 2015, the board of trustees approved out-of-state scholarships for the fall 2016 semester. The scholarships are contingent on prospective students meeting various academic qualifications.

The campus grounds were designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm. The J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center was renovated in 2002, adding almost 15,000 square feet (1,400 m²), an interactive Distance Learning Auditorium, conference, study and class rooms, lounges, and computer lab. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum is located in the James H. Wilson Building, a national registered historical structure. On the third floor, the University Archives contains a collection of AAMU-related papers, paperwork, letters, and photos.

Louis Crews Stadium is the sixth largest stadium in Alabama. Alabama A&M Events Center, which opened in 2022, is home to the basketball teams, commencements and other events sits adjacent to Louis Crews Stadium.

In 1994, the Mamie Foster Student Living/Learning Complex was erected. Groundbreaking was held for the School of Business facility in 1995 and Louis Crews Stadium and Ernest L. Knight Complex Residence Hall construction began. The Engineering and Technology building known as Bond Hall was completed in 2002 and opened for classes in January 2003. The Normal Historic Preservation Association was incorporated on April 15, 2009, to help preserve and protect the Alabama A&M University National Historic District. The campus is served by the Bulldog Transit Shuttle bus system. A new 600-bed residence hall was constructed and opened for students January 2018, and construction planning of a new Event Center was approved by the board of trustees in September 2019.

The university awards 41 Baccalaureate, 23 master’s, one EdS, and five PhD degrees. A selective honors program is available for academically exceptional undergraduate students.

• College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences^[10]
• College of Business and Public Affairs
• College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences
• College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences
• School of Graduate Studies

• 19:1 student-faculty ratio^[11]
• Fewer than 20 students in 41 percent of courses^[11]
• 348 faculty members across all undergraduate, graduate and professional programs

• From 44 states and 11 foreign countries
• 7,808 students^[12]
• 42 percent first-time college students
• Middle 50th percentile on ACT: 14–19^[11]
• 75 percent student participation in community service projects

The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) is a joint research venture between NASA, Alabama A&M and six other research universities of the state of Alabama, represented by the Space Science and Technology Alliance. The aim of the NSSTC is to foster collaboration in research between government, academia, and industry.

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established The Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The system provides educational outreach to the citizens of Alabama on behalf of the state’s two land grant universities: Alabama A&M University and Auburn University.^[13] The system employs more than 800 faculty, professional educators, and staff members operating in offices in each of Alabama’s 67 counties and in nine urban centers covering the major regions of the state.^[14][15] In conjunction with the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, the system also staffs six extension and research centers located in the state’s principal geographic regions.^[14] Since 2004, “Alabama Extension” has functioned primarily as a regionally based system in which the bulk of educational programming is delivered by agents operating across a multi-county area and specializing in specific fields. County extension coordinators and county agents work with regional agents and other extension personnel to deliver services to clients within their areas.^[14]

In the 2017–2018 award year, 3,701 Alabama A&M University students received financial assistance from Pell Grants, totaling $18,323,395.^[16]

The Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development (OSALD) has oversight of and provides assistance to several student-led organizations:

The Marching Maroon & White is the official marching band of Alabama A&M University. It has over 280 members. The band has performed in the Rose Parade and made numerous appearances in the Honda Battle of the Bands.^[18] In 2023, the Marching Maroon & White made history, becoming the first HBCU band to lead the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.^[19][20]

The Marching Maroon & White has two auxiliaries, the Dancin’ Divas (danceline), and the Fabulous flags (color guard).

The Alabama A&M University Choir became the first choir from a historically black college and university to be invited to attend the American Choral Festival in Germany. On Thursday, January 21, 2010, the choir performed a concert at the Alabama Music Educators Association Annual Conference. This was a historical event because the choir was the first choir from a historically black college and university in the state to perform at that conference. In 2014, the choir was invited by the Distinguished Concerts International of New York to be presented in concert at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

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). Alabama A&M’s colors are maroon and white and their mascot is the Bulldog. The Alabama A&M Department of Athletics sponsors men’s intercollegiate basketball, football, baseball, golf, 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 football team’s home games are played at Louis Crews Stadium. Both men’s and women’s basketball home games are played in Alabama A&M Events Center.”^[21] Prior to joining the SWAC, Alabama A&M competed in the NCAA Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from 1941 to 1998. While in the SIAC, Alabama A&M won 11 conference championships in women’s volleyball, seven conference championships in football, seven in cross-country, nine in men’s basketball, two in women’s basketball, and two in baseball.

Notable athletes include Pro Football Hall of Famer and 4-time Super Bowl Champion John Stallworth, NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion Robert Mathis, two-time NFL Pro Bowler Howard Ballard, Olympic Gold Medalist Jearl Miles Clark, Andre Brick Haley, Desmond Cambridge, Obie Trotter, and Mickell Gladness. Cambridge currently holds the NCAA single season steals record. Trotter is 4th all-time single season steals, and Gladness is 2nd all-time in blocks in a season. Gladness set an NCAA Division I single game record with 16 blocks against Texas Southern on February 24, 2007.^[22] No other player in Division I history has even recorded 15 blocks in a single game.^[23]

Alabama A&M University is the licensee for National Public Radio affiliate station WJAB 90.9, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on campus.^[24] WJAB airs various public affairs programming, as well as live coverage of Bulldog athletic events.

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  Joseph Lowery, minister in the United Methodist Church and leader in the Civil Rights Movement
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  Don Calloway, attorney and politician from St. Louis; Missouri House of Representatives for the 71st District in St. Louis County
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The Alabama A&M University Department of Public Safety (DPS) is AAMU’s campus police.

1. Morrison, Richard David. History of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University: 1875–1992. Huntsville, Ala. : Liberal Arts Press, c1994.
2. “Results”. Archived from the original on December 11, 2005. Retrieved November 23, 2005.
3. “Historically Black Colleges and Universities”. Archived from the original on December 10, 2005. Retrieved November 23, 2005.
4. “WJAB Jazz & Blues!!”. Archived from the original on 8 November 2005. Retrieved 23 November 2005.
5. Saintjones, Jerome. (2011) Normal Index Online. Alabama A&M University. Normal, Alabama.