Alabama State University was founded in 1867, in Marion, Ala., as a school for African-Americans. The school started as the Lincoln Normal School with $500 raised by nine formerly enslaved men now known as the Marion Nine, making ASU one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education founded for black Americans.
Today, Alabama State University, located in Montgomery, Ala., is a widely respected, world-class institution of higher learning that welcomes students of all races. We offer more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, from our historic teacher education program to a list of high-demand programs such as the Doctorate in Physical Therapy, the Ph.D. in microbiology, the Master of Accountancy, the Master’s in Social Work and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance.
The students who attend ASU are as diverse as our academic offerings, with students from more than 41 states and 21 countries seeking a top-notch education that extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. With a 20 to1 student-faculty ratio, students receive the personal attention, mentoring, encouragement and knowledge needed to achieve their dreams.
At ASU, we know that what happens outside the classroom is an essential part of the college experience. Our students enjoy a vibrant campus community where they build lifelong friendships and find a wide variety of social, cultural and sporting events. We have more than 50 clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities, and 18 intercollegiate sports.
Our location in Montgomery, Alabama, the birthplace of the modern civil rights movement, offers students the unique opportunity to live, learn and grow in a city rich with culture and history. In fact, some of the most notable figures of the civil rights era – including the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, attorney Fred Gray, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and the Rev. Frederick D. Reese – are counted among ASU’s many distinguished alumni. Today, we also are proud to count among our alumni notable figures such as rapper 2 Chainz (Tauheed Epps); Broadway stars Bonita Hamilton Ceasar and Brandon McCall (Lion King); Peabody Award winner, actor/director Timothy Ware Hill; legendary football coach Woody McCorvey; international rugby star Phaidra Knight; noted neuroscientist Dr. Farah Lubin; and the late Archbishop of the Catholic Church, Joseph Lawson Howze.
Our 154-year history is a legacy of perseverance, progress and promise. We’re proud of our legacy, and we welcome students to dream, to share their unique gifts and talents, and to take pride in knowing they are part of a rich tradition.
OUR VISION
Alabama State University (ASU) will achieve global recognition through excellence in teaching, research and service. ASU will advance its current Carnegie Classification to a Doctoral/Professional University. ASU aspires to be a national leader in developing students through a transformational educational experience with global impact. As a community builder and partner, ASU will continue to have a measurable impact on society through innovative education and scholarly research.
OUR MISSION
Alabama State University is a student-centered public HBCU committed to excellence in teaching, research and service. ASU provides a nurturing, holistic learning environment focused on developing students, on campus and virtually, to be global change agents. ASU embraces CommUniversity and philanthropy to create dynamic relationships for positive community impact.
OUR VALUES
PRIDE
We are committed to sustaining ASU’s rich history as an epicenter of modern-day civil rights and social justice initiatives.
INTEGRITY
We are committed to honest and ethical standards, as we hold ourselves to transparent systems, structures and mechanisms.
IMPACT
We are committed to building partnerships and collaborations to contribute to external community impact and the development of our students.
DIVERSITY
We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within our community.
LOYALTY
We are committed to building upon our proud traditions that will impact the lives of alumni and generations to come, with a promise to give back.
Information on this page was updated February 2022.