Selma University facts for kids
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Former names
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Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School |
|---|---|
| Type | Private, HBCU, Bible college |
| Established | 1878 |
| Accreditation | ABHE |
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Religious affiliation
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Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention |
| President | Stanford E. Angion |
| Students | 50 |
| Undergraduates | 31 |
| Postgraduates | 19 |
| Location |
,
,
United States
32°25′12″N 87°01′55″W / 32.41997°N 87.03205°W |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Website | https://www.selmau.edu/ |
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Selma University Historic District
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| NRHP reference No. | 100009126 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | July 14, 2023 |
Selma University is a special kind of college in Selma, Alabama, USA. It is a private school and a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). This means it was founded to provide higher education for African Americans. The university focuses on religious studies and is connected to the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention.
Contents
History of Selma University
Starting the School
Selma University began in 1878. It was first called the Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School. The main goal was to train African Americans to become ministers (religious leaders) and teachers.
Later that year, the school bought the old Selma Fair Grounds. They moved into the fair's former buildings. Important ministers like William H. McAlpine, James A. Foster, and R. Murrell helped start the school.
In 1874, the first leaders, called trustees, were chosen in Mobile, Alabama. These included C. O. Booth, Alexander Butler, William H. McAlpine, Holland Thompson, and H. J. Europe. In 1877, it was decided that the school would be in Selma. The school officially opened four years later at the Saint Phillips Street Baptist Church in Selma. This church later became the First Baptist Church.
Growing and Changing Names
In 1881, the school became an official organization by law. Its name was the Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School of Selma.
In 1886, Charles L. Purce became the president after Edward M. Brawley. President Purce did a great job. He helped the university pay off a large amount of money it owed. In 1894, he left to become president of another school, Simmons College of Kentucky.
On May 14, 1908, the school's name officially changed to Selma University.
Modern Changes and Challenges
In the late 1980s, Selma University grew. It changed from offering a four-year religion program and a two-year general studies program to a full four-year university.
Around 2000, Selma University started to focus more on being a Bible college. This means it became a school mainly for religious studies. In 2009, Selma University received its first official accreditation. This means it was recognized as meeting high standards for education.
Later, the university faced some money problems. It lost some important funding in 2019. This was because it had trouble managing its money and keeping good student records.
In 2020, the school was put on probation by its accreditation group. This meant it needed to improve in several areas.
In June 2020, Eddie Hill became the new president. He was the first president who was not also a minister. He was brought in to help with the school's money issues. After eight months, Eddie Hill resigned in February 2021. Dr. Stanford Angion then became the interim president.
Buildings and Improvements
Selma University has many important buildings on its campus. Each building has a story and is often named after people who helped the university.
- Stone Hall was built in 1889. It was a dormitory for girls. It was named after Miss Susie Stone, who was a secretary for the Women's Baptist State Convention.
- Dinkins Memorial Chapel was finished in 1904. It was named for Reverend C. S. Dinkins, a former president of the school. The chapel was rebuilt in 1921 after a fire and fixed up again in 1980.
- Foster Hall was built in 1910. It was named after Susie C. Foster, who was the president of the Women's Convention when it was built.
- Cleveland Hall was built in 1948. It was named for M. C. Cleveland, Sr. Some materials for this building came from old buildings in Selma.
- Gibbs Dining Hall was built in 1953. It was named after Henrietta M. Gibbs.
- Stone-Robinson Library was built in 1960. It was named for Susie Stone and Reverend U. J. Robinson. Reverend Robinson was president of the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention.
- Jemison-Owens Auditorium/Gymnasium was finished in 1966. It was named for Reverend D. V. Jemison and James H. Owens. They were both presidents of the university's supporting organizations.
- Hood-Ware Dormitory for men and Jackson-Wilson Dormitory for women were finished in 1970.
- A. W. Wilson Science and Computer Hall was finished in 1979.
- In 1988, the science area was made bigger with a new section. This new part has an auditorium, labs, and computer rooms. Other improvements include a computer writing lab, a math lab, and an expanded library. The library now has a center for learning with videos and computers.
In 2023, parts of the campus were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as important historical sites.
See also
- List of historically black colleges of the United States
