Athens State University facts for kids
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Former name
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Athens Female Academy (1822–1842) Athens Female Institute (1842–1889) Athens Female College (1889–1931) Athens College (1931–1998) |
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| Type | Public upper-division university |
| Established | December 9, 1822 |
| President | Catherine Wehlburg (interim) |
| Students | 3,500 |
| Location |
,
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United States
34°48′20″N 86°58′0″W / 34.80556°N 86.96667°W |
| Nickname | Bears |
| Mascot | Hebrew the Bear |
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Athens State University is a public university located in Athens, Alabama. It's known as an "upper-division" university. This means students usually transfer here after finishing their first two years at another college. The university has three main areas of study: Education, Arts and Sciences, and Business.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Athens State
Athens State University is the oldest school of higher learning in Alabama. It first opened its doors in 1822. Back then, it was called the Athens Female Academy.
In 1842, the Methodist Church started to oversee the school. They changed its name to the Athens Female Institute. Later, in 1889, it became the Athens Female College.
A big change happened in 1931. The school started letting both boys and girls attend. This is called becoming coeducational. At that time, its name was shortened to Athens College.
In the 1970s, the school decided to join the State of Alabama. In 1974, the Methodist Church allowed the college to become part of the state system.
By 1975, the Alabama State Board of Education accepted the college. The state legislature then provided money to help the college run. This allowed it to serve students who had already completed two years at other colleges.
The school changed its name one more time in 1998. It officially became Athens State University.
In 2012, a new law was passed in Alabama. This law created a special board of trustees just for Athens State University. This board helps guide the university. Today, Athens State University is still the only upper-division university in Alabama.
Historic Buildings on Campus
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Athens State College Historic District
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Founders Hall is a contributing property to the historic district
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| Location | 202--212 and 311 N. Beaty St., central campus area roughly bounded by Beaty, Pryor and Hobbs Sts., Athens, Alabama |
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| Area | 8.6 acres (3.5 ha) |
| Built | 1842 |
| Architect | Hiram Higgins |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Greek Revival, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000254 |
| Added to NRHP | February 14, 1985 |
The Athens State College Historic District is a special area on campus. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
One of the most important buildings in this district is Founders Hall. It was built between 1842 and 1844. Founders Hall is also listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
Famous People Who Went Here
Many interesting people have studied at Athens State University. Here are a few:
- Chris Guillebeau, a writer who helps people with personal development
- Mike Kirkland (politician), who served in the Alabama House of Representatives
- Steve Mizerak, a famous billiards player who won the U.S. Open several times
- Gary Redus, a professional Major League Baseball player
- Dale Strong, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Ha Soo Whang, a social worker who helped many people
See also
- Athens College (disambiguation)
- Tennessee Wesleyan College, once also known as Athens Female College
