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 is known as an "upper-division" university. This means it mainly serves students who have already completed their first two years of college. The university offers studies in three main areas: Education, Arts and Sciences, and Business.
Contents
The History of Athens State University
Athens State University is the oldest school for higher education in Alabama. It has a long and interesting history.
Early Beginnings: Athens Female Academy
The university first opened its doors in 1822. Back then, it was called the Athens Female Academy. It was a school specifically for girls and young women.
Becoming Athens Female Institute and College
In 1842, the Methodist Church began to oversee the school. They changed its name to the Athens Female Institute. Later, in 1889, the name was changed again to Athens Female College.
Athens College: Welcoming Everyone
A big change happened in 1931. The school's name was shortened to Athens College. This was also when it became a coeducational school. This means it started accepting both male and female students.
Joining the State of Alabama
For many years, the Methodist Church managed the college. However, in 1974, the school's leaders asked to become part of the State of Alabama's education system. The Methodist Church agreed to this transfer in June 1974.
In June 1975, the college officially joined the Alabama State Board of Education. The state legislature then provided money to help the college operate. This allowed it to serve students who had graduated from other state colleges.
Becoming Athens State University
The college continued to grow and change. In 1998, it was given a new name: Athens State University. This new name reflected its expanded role and offerings.
New Leadership for the University
In 2012, another important change occurred. The Alabama legislature passed a law to create a new, independent board of trustees for the university. This new board started its work in October 2012. Athens State University remains the only upper-division university in Alabama.
Athens State College Historic District
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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 on February 14, 1985. This means it's recognized for its important historical buildings.
Founders Hall: A Historic Building
One of the most important buildings in the district is Founders Hall. It was built between 1842 and 1844. Founders Hall is also listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
Notable People Who Attended Athens State
Many interesting people have studied at Athens State University. Here are a few of them:
- Chris Guillebeau, an author who writes about personal development.
- Mike Kirkland (politician), who served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives.
- Steve Mizerak, a famous billiards player who won the U.S. Open several times in the 1970s.
- Gary Redus, a professional Major League Baseball player.
- Dale Strong, who is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Ha Soo Whang, a social worker who helped many people.
See also
In Spanish: Universidad Estatal de Athens para niños
- Athens College (disambiguation)
- Tennessee Wesleyan College, another school that was once known as Athens Female College
