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Concordia College Alabama
Former names
Alabama Luther College
Alabama Lutheran Academy and College
Type Private historically black college
Active 1922–2018
Parent institution
Concordia University System
Religious affiliation
Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Location ,
U.S.
Campus 57 acres (23 ha)
Colors      Green
     Yellow
Nickname Hornets
Bakke Hall and the Dormitory
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Location Selma, Alabama
Built 1925
Governing body Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage
Official name: Bakke Hall and the Dormitory
Designated June 19, 1997

Concordia College Alabama was a private college in Selma, Alabama. It was a historically black college. This means it was founded to serve African-American students. The college was connected to the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. It was the only historically black college in the Concordia University System. Concordia College Alabama closed its doors in 2018. This happened because of money problems and fewer students.

History of Concordia College

How the College Started

In 1919, African-American Lutheran churches in Alabama asked for help. They wanted money to open a high school and college. This school would train people to work for the church. The school first opened in 1922 in a small rented house. Soon, a church group bought 13 acres of land in Selma, Alabama. This land became the home of Alabama Luther College. A main building (now called Bakke Hall) and a dorm were built. They cost $36,000 and opened in 1925.

Changes Over Time

The college had to close during the Great Depression. This was a time when many people lost their jobs and money. Only the high school stayed open, and it was renamed the Alabama Lutheran Academy. Later, the college reopened. The school then became the Alabama Lutheran Academy and College. In 1981, its name changed again to Concordia College Alabama. By 1994, it was allowed to give out bachelor's degrees.

Why the College Closed

In February 2018, Concordia College announced sad news. It would close after that school year. This was due to ongoing money problems. The last group of 147 students graduated on April 28, 2018. After the college closed, a minister named Dr. Paul J. Kim bought the campus. He plans to open a "mission retreat center" there. He also wants to start a "contemporary music university" in the future.

Campus Buildings and Land

Concordia College had two important buildings. These were Bakke Hall and the Dormitory. They were finished in 1928. On June 19, 1997, these buildings were added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. This means they are important historical places in Alabama. In 2010, the college campus grew much larger. It went from 22 acres to 57 acres. This happened when the college bought the land and buildings of a nearby children's home.

Student Life at Concordia

Sports Teams

Concordia–Selma's sports teams were called the Hornets. They were part of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The college had seven different sports.

  • Men's sports included baseball, basketball, and soccer.
  • Women's sports included basketball, softball, track & field, and volleyball.

Football Program

The college also had a football team. It started in 2005. However, the football program was stopped at the end of the 2015 season. This was because of the high costs of running the team.

ROTC Program

Concordia College had an Army ROTC program. This program helps students train to become officers in the U.S. Army. It was a smaller part of the program at Marion Military Institute. More than 25 students were part of the ROTC at Concordia.

Notable People

  • Fred Rouse - a professional football player
  • Titus Ryan - a player in the National Football League
  • Cortez Stubbs - a professional football player
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