Discover AAMU

Alabama A&M is building an involved community of learning one person at a time.

AAMU defines the ideal public university. You will find an array of opportunities to pursue your interests and passions in the best tradition of a small land-grant university with the resources of a national research institution.

Just the Facts
 

Alabama A&M University was organized in 1875 as a result of an 1873 state bill that established a “State Normal School and University for the Education of the Colored Teachers and Students” and from the efforts of ex-slave William H. Councill who, in 1869 founded its predecessor, The Lincoln Normal School. The doors were opened as The Huntsville Normal School and, after undergoing many changes in curriculum due to the vision of Councill, rose in ranks from a junior college to a fully accredited university in 1963. Then, in 1969, our school became known as Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University.

  

Did You Know?
 
…that Alabama A&M University combines the uniqueness of a traditional land-grant university with professional, vocational, and liberal arts pursuits?

The original mission of a land-grant university such as AAMU was to focus on teaching agricultural sciences and engineering in response to the Industrial Revolution. AAMU has expanded its curriculum to other areas such as the liberal arts to stay current with the times.

…that the University is a center for substance and excellence providing a setting for the emergence of scholars, thinkers, leaders and other contributors to society?

AAMU is committed to:

Excellence in education.
Educating students for effective participation in local, state, national, and international societies, searching for new knowledge through research.
Providing a comprehensive outreach program designed to meet the changing needs of a larger community.
Developing programs necessary to adequately address the major needs and problems of capable students who have experienced limited access to education.
The integration of state-of-the-art technology into all aspects of University functions.
 

…that AAMU prepares students to do good AND to do well?

Alabama A&M University was founded in the waning years of the Reconstruction Period after the Civil War. The nation was dealing with rebuilding the South, as well as reconstructing the lives of people who had long been enslaved.  AAMU's motto, "Service Is Sovereignty" returns power and nobility to those who devote their lives freely to the service of others.  AAMU’s motto is the perfect complement to the University's land-grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach.

...that Alabama A&M University offers programs in agriculture, environmental science, liberal arts, business, education, and engineering as well as graduate, post masters, and doctoral degrees?

AAMU is distinguished by its small size complemented by the large number educational resources and undergraduate majors offered. Undergrads can choose from 51 different majors.

…that the community atmosphere is as rich in diversity as the University itself, and the beautiful campus on the hill are two things you’ll notice right away?

When you choose a university, you choose a home for 4 years. AAMU is a place where you’ll enjoy living and learning. AAMU’s hometown, Huntsville, Alabama, known as the “Rocket City” from its early history in the development of the defense and space industries, is a dynamic, culturally rich, and growing city of about 370,000 in the metro area. Huntsville is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal.

…that the University’s student/faculty ratio is 14:1?

49% of the classes at AAMU have fewer than 20 students. This ration allows for more personalized learning and interaction in the classroom.

…that 78% of Alabama A&M University’s fulltime undergraduate students receive need based financial aid?

The University’s financial aid program allows students to enroll regardless of their financial situation.
 

…that AAMU is home to one of the largest graduate schools among historically black colleges and universities?

The graduate program at the University is comprised of 1300+ students or 20% of the student body.

…that the A&M campus houses the State Black Archives Research Center and Museum?

A unique addition to the University’s diverse culture if learning, the State Black Archives opened in 1990 to encourage greater awareness of the achievements and contributions of African Americans and the role they played in American society and the world”. The center is housed in the historic James H. Wilson building and contains several impressive permanent exhibits as well as traveling exhibits.

Quick Facts​

Status - 4 year public historically black land-grant university
Established - 1875
Motto - "Service is Sovereignty"
Endowment - $119 million
President - Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr.
2010 Undergraduates - 4940
2010 Post graduates - 874
Campus - suburban, 880 acres
Colors - Maroon and White
Athletics - NCAA Division 1 FCS
Nickname - Bulldogs or Lady Bulldogs
Mascot - Butch
Affiliation - Southwestern Athletic Conference