Month: April 2022

Explore HBCU – Miles College

Staff Writer
April 28, 2022

Miles College is a historically black, private, liberal arts college in Fairfield, Alabama.

Background

Miles College was founded in 1898 by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church as Miles Memorial College in honor of Bishop William H. Miles. The institution was chartered by the state in 1905, and by the end of the 1960s, Miles College was known nationally with the 1966 addition of the Taggart Science Building and the 1967 faculty addition of John Monro, previous Dean of Harvard College. In 1974, Miles College continued to expand with the addition of evening law school classes to address the fact that there were reportedly only 40 African-American lawyers in the state of Alabama. This was closely followed by the founding of Miles Law School. 

Though a time of expansion, the 1970s and 1980s also posed difficulties for Miles College as cuts in government funding caused financial aid opportunities to decrease and student enrollment to drop. The college continued to persist, and today Miles College has worked to grow its base of support in order to continue providing for its students.

Recent partnerships with leading companies and government facilities have increased Miles’ ability to offer cutting-edge programming in tech and entrepreneurship, as well as activism and advocacy opportunities such as the new Center for Social and Economic Justice.

Miles College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Alabama State Department of Education, the Council of Social Work Education, and it is one of only 39 HBCUs to be designated a United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institution.

Programs & Opportunities

Miles College is divided into six divisions: Business and Accounting, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Communications, and Education. Each division has its own faculty, as well as offering a range of majors and minors that total to over 30 degree programs.

When students attend Miles, they’re exposed to a well-tailored education that aims to be as personalized to each student as possible. At Miles, students receive academic and personal counseling from staff members who care, with an especially targeted academic support program for the first two years of enrollment. In addition to career and learning resource services, there is a four-year honors curriculum that challenges students with advanced academics, trips to conferences, and mentored research.

To further advance the enrichment of students, Miles emphasizes a connected student body, with student-run activities and clubs, student government, Greek Life, service organizations, and many more opportunities to connect with others and foster a strong community environment.

Learn more about Miles College’s academic and social offerings here.

Alumni Affairs

Miles College aims to graduate leaders who are life-long learners and responsible citizens who positively shape global society. Some of Miles College’s notable alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Uriah “U.W.” Clemon—Alabama’s first black federal judge and former chief judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama—earned his Bachelor of Arts from Miles College.
  • Autherine Lucy—educator, civil rights pioneer, and pivotal figure in the desegregation of Alabama schools—went to Miles College to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in English.
  • Mildred Brown—journalist and civil rights leader and activist in Omaha, Nebraska—graduated with a degree in education from Miles Memorial Teachers College.

Financial Information

At Miles, school officials work to maximize scholarship opportunities while minimizing educational costs. For on-campus students, the estimated cost of attendance is $22,662; for off-campus students, $27,501.

Financial aid is offered in the form of grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships. Starting in Fall of 2022, Miles College will also be a participant in the Student Freedom Initiative’s Income Contingent Alternative, which is designed to offer greater opportunity for STEM majors at HBCUs. For eligible juniors and seniors, the Student Freedom Initiatives offers a lower-cost alternative to Parent Plus and private loans that is based on income earned post-graduation.

Most students at Miles College receive some form of financial aid, including federal grants, loans, and Miles scholarships.

Conclusion

At Miles College, students and faculty alike work to intellectually and professionally contribute to the broader community. With its open access policy, Miles welcomes students regardless of educational background, race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.

Learn more about Miles College here.

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Explore HBCU – Oakwood University

Staff Writer
April 26, 2022

Oakwood University is a private, historically black Seventh-day Adventist university in Huntsville, Alabama. 

Background

Oakwood University was founded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) in 1896 with a focus on the education of recently-liberated African Americans in the South. The school opened to 16 students and was named the Oakwood Industrial School, where a faith-based industrial training atmosphere was offered. 

In 1904, with the expansion to include a broader curriculum, the school’s name changed to Oakwood Manual Training School. The school grew to offer a two-year college program with an emphasis on subjects paralleling most junior colleges, and in 1917 the name changed to Oakwood Junior College. By 1943, the school’s name changed again, becoming Oakwood College as it received its first accreditation as a junior college, moving toward senior college status, and then becoming accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award both associate and baccalaureate degrees.

Most recently, Oakwood College became Oakwood University in 2008. Today the institution offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees of study. Along with the SACS, Oakwood University is accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association, the Association of College Business Schools and Programs, the Commision on Accreditation of College Business Schools and Programs, the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, the Council on Social Work Education, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Commision for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA). 

Oakwood consistently ranks in national media, business and educational associations, and U.S. News and World Report has ranked it perennially among the nation’s top colleges, in both categories of Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as Regional Colleges in the South. Furthermore, according to the Association for American Medical Colleges, Oakwood is the nation’s fifth-ranked producer of undergraduate black applicants to medical schools.

At Oakwood University, academic excellence is emphasized to promote the harmonious development of mind, body, and spirit, as well as the preparation of leaders in service for God and humanity.

Programs & Opportunities

Oakwood University has worked to transform lives and raise leaders through a quality Christian-centered education. Through the schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education & Social Sciences, Nursing & Health Professions, Theology, Graduate Studies, and the Adult Degree Completion and Honors Program, Oakwood students are ensured to graduate with a focus on excellence and strong commitment to integrity. 

Spanning graduate and undergraduate study, Oakwood University offers over 70 individual degree pathways. There are also numerous clubs and organizations to foster enriched spiritual, student, and campus life. 

Learn more about Oakwood University’s degree programming here.

Alumni Affairs

At Oakwood, school officials remain dedicated to instilling a sense of community and service oriented action within students. Many well-known leaders of industry have come to be added to the Oakwood University legacy. Some notable alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Makeba Claggett Garrison graduated with a Masters in Divinity from Oakwood and was recently voted as the first female elder at the Memphis first Seventh-day Adventist Church. 
  • Raymond Winbush—scholar and activist known for his work examining the effect of racism and white supremacy on the global African community—graduated from Oakwood with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
  • Dr. Eric Thomas is a critically acclaimed author, speaker, educator, pastor, and CEO of the consulting firm, ETA LLC. He graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor’s in Education.
  • Sylvia Rhue—writer, filmmaker, producer, and LGBTQ+ activist—graduated from Oakwood University with a degree in psychology and sociology.

Financial Information

At Oakwood University, undergraduate tuition is $9,487 for resident and non-resident students, with the total charges per semester ranging from $9,995 to $15,020. For students enrolled and attending classes at Oakwood University in a financial aid-eligible program, financial aid may be available in the form of grants, work-study, a part-time on-campus job, student loans, or scholarships. 

Oakwood University is reportedly in the top 40th percentile of all colleges in the country, as 99% of incoming freshmen were offered scholarships averaging $10,880.

Conclusion

At Oakwood University, the mission remains to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity.

Learn more about Oakwood University here.

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Explore HBCU – Lawson State Community College

Staff Writer
April 21, 2022

Lawson State Community College is a public, historically black community college located in Bessemer and Birmingham, Alabama.

Background

Lawson State Community College is composed of two main divisions: an academic division and a career/technical division.

The technical division of the college was founded as Wenonah State Technical Institute in Birmingham, Alabama in 1949 with an initial funding of $75,000. The school opened with eleven instructors and 75 students enrolled across ten courses and one related subject.

The academic division of the college, originally named Wenonah State Junior college, was created in 1965. In 1969, in honor of Dr. Theodore Alred Lawson, the college was renamed Theodore Alfred Lawson State Junior College. Both the academic and technical divisions merged in 1973, and became one school known as T.A. Lawson State Community College. This location is currently Lawson State’s Birmingham Campus.

In 2005, as the state of Alamaba worked to eliminate duplicate community college programs, Bessemer State Technical College—originally founded in 1963—merged with Lawson State. This location is currently Lawson State Community College’s Bessemer location. 

T.A. Lawson State has been recognized and celebrated by the White House, having been selected to host a visit by President Barack Obama in 2015. The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and has been featured as a Top 50 Community College—making history in the state of Alabama—as well as being moved from 33 out of 50 on the list of top community colleges to number five in 2013. 

Programs & Opportunities

Lawson State Community College provides an array of educational and technical educational opportunities through varied modes of instruction. The college prides itself in preparing students for gainful employment, career advancement, college transfer, and workforce development. 

Lawson State Community College offers more than 100 programs spanning four divisions within business & technologies, career technical programs, general studies for college transfer, and health professions programs. For three years in a row beginning in 2017, Lawson State’s Nursing Programs have been ranked as high as #1 and #2 in the state. The school also offers other gateway and/or special program options including dual enrollment, GED classes, distance education, and adult education opportunities. 

Lawson State also hosts several clubs and organizations dedicated to service, student connection, technological innovation and application, scholarship, and leadership. The school chairs four varsity athletic programs—men’s basketball and baseball, and women’s basketball and volleyball—that belong to the Alabama Community College Conference and National Junior College Athletic Association. 

Learn more about what Lawson State Community College has to offer here.

Alumni Affairs

Lawson State Community College alumni can be found in various sectors and industries of business, politics, healthcare, education, and entertainment. Some of Lawson State’s alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Christen Carter earned an Associate of Science degree in General Studies from Lawson State in 2016 and is now a Registered Behavior Therapist/Mental Health Technician.
  • Raven Young earned an Associate of Science degree in Biology from Lawson State in 2014 and is now an Admissions Coordinator at Guidehouse, a business consulting firm.
  • Brittney Terry earned an Associate of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and is now a Ph.D. student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at UC Riverside.

Financial Information

At Lawson State Community College, in-state tuition for in-person and online courses totals to $123 per semester credit hour and $246 for out-of-state students. In total, tuition is an estimated  total of $4,800 for one academic calendar year, while out-of-state students pay two times that rate.

For students who are in need of assistance with educational costs, Lawson State offers financial aid designed to supplement the students’ ability to pay for educational expenses.

Conclusion

Lawson State Community College seeks to provide affordable and accessible quality educational opportunities while enhancing the quality of life for the diverse communities it serves. 

Learn more about Lawson State Community College here.

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Explore HBCU – Morehouse School of Medicine

Staff Writer
April 19, 2022

Morehouse School of Medicine is a private co-educational medical school in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Background

The Morehouse School of Medicine was originally founded in 1975 as a two-year Basic Sciences medical program at Morehouse College under the leadership of physician and Morehouse alum Dr. Louis Sullivan. The School of Medicine became independent in 1981, becoming accredited to award M.D. degrees shortly thereafter in 1985.

Since its conception, the MSM has continued to expand its curricula, education, and research opportunities, establishing the National Center for Primary Care (NPC) by 1997 under the leadership of Dr. Louis Sullivan—who by that point had served as the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The Morehouse School of Medicine became the first congressionally sanctioned center to develop programs that strengthened the primary care system for health equity and sustainability.

Today, the Morehouse School of Medicine is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians and has also received the title of top institution among US medical schools for social mission.

Programs & Opportunities

At the Morehouse School of Medicine, students are exposed to several academic and residency programs. The MSM awards nine degrees: a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS), Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS), Master of Science in Biomedical Research (MSBR), Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR), Master of Science in Biomedical Technology (MSBT), and Master of Science in Neuroscience. The MSM also has seven residency programs: Family Medicine (1981), Preventive Medicine (1986), Internal Medicine (1991), Psychiatry (1991), Surgery (1993), Obstetrics and Gynecology (1997) and Pediatrics (2000).

Learn more about the Morehouse School of Medicine’s degree programs and offerings here.

Alumni Affairs

The MSM seeks to produce and champion an interconnected community and system of service-oriented scholars who aim to change lives through education, service, patient care, and research. 

Some notable alumni: 

  • Physician Regina Marcia Benjamin served as the 18th Surgeon General of the United States after being appointed by President Barack Obama. She was in the second graduating class of Morehouse School of Medicine.
  • Anne Gaglioti is a practicing family physician, Associated Professor of Family Medicine and Strategic Advisor for Research at the National Center for Primary Care at MSM, and Associate Professor in the Center for Community Health Integration at Case Western Reserve University. She completed her Master of Science in Clinical Research at Morehouse School of Medicine.
  • James D. Lock is a pediatric psychiatrist who graduated from Morehouse School of Medicine and is certified by the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Financial Information

Based on program choice and enrollment status, student tuition and total cost of attendance may vary. Before the application of financial aid or assistance, total expenses for Master students can equal $50,000 and above, for Ph.D. students $60,000 and above, and for M.D. an estimated $80,000 and above.

For students who qualify for need-based grants and aids, the MSM grants aid depending on the extent of need. In addition, the Morehouse School of Medicine serves as an agent to assist students in obtaining loans and other forms of aid.

Conclusion

The Morehouse School of Medicine actively works to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities, increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce, and address primary health care through programs in service and education.

Learn more about the Morehouse School of Medicine here.

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Explore HBCU – Trenholm State Community College

Staff Writer
April 14, 2022

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College is a public, historically black community college in Montgomery, Alabama.

Background

After the 1947 Regional Vocational and Trade School Act permitted the establishment of the technical division of Trenholm State, the school was founded as John M. Patterson Technical School—named after the governor at the time John M. Patterson. The school was renamed to the John M. Patterson Technical College in 1974 . 

By 1963, a three-bill act transferred control of two-year schools from the state of Alabama to the governor while simultaneously allowing for the expansion of trade schools and junior colleges throughout Alabama. As a result, H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College—named after Dr. Harper Councill Trenholm, former president of Alabama State University—was founded 8.9 miles from John M. Patterson Technical School. 

As part of a statewide program to remove community colleges with duplicate curricula, the Alabama State Board of Education chose to merge the John M. Patterson Technical College and the H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College. Though there was turmoil surrounding the decision to merge the schools due to the respective cultural differences of each institution as well as debate over the location of the main campus as well as what would be the designated name, the colleges finally consolidated in 2001. 

The name became H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College, and the Trenholm campus was designated as the main campus. The school was renamed H. Councill Trenholm State Community College, and has been accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Programs & Opportunities

Whatever your academic or career goals, Trenholm has an extensive list of programs designed to help students succeed in their desired field. Offering instruction in dual enrollment, adult education, allied health, career and technical education, and other academic programs granting degrees in areas such as associate of art, associate of science, business, computer information systems, and more.

Learn more about Trenholm State Community College’s certificate and degree programming here. 

Alumni Affairs

At Trenholm State, alumni are an invaluable part of the college’s legacy and maintenance of the overall tradition of excellence. Alumni often serve as living examples of one of Trenton State’s many guiding principles, searching for and implementing ways to improve the quality of life for the community. 

Graduates leave Trenholm State prepared to make their marks in the world, and a few notable alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Dr. Brenda Johnson, Nurse Practitioner: Trenholm State Community College Class of 1980 LPN graduate, Assistant Professor of Neurology Assistant Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Stroke Center at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine
  • Michael Bainter: Trenholm State Community College Class of 2012 Graphics Design Technology graduate, Business Owner Fishtails
  • Dr. Victoria D. Perry: Trenholm State Community College Class of 1982 Keypunching, Counselor at Bishop State Community College

Financial Information

Through the various financial aid programs and opportunities, the Trenholm State Community College Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational and career goals. Financial aid helps students and is made available through federal, state, and institutional programs allowing students to receive assistance through grants, scholarships, VA educational assistance and/or work-study. 

The cost of tuition and fees comes to a total of $4,710, with a total cost of attendance of $15,460 due to $4,950 of estimated room and board, $1,8000 cost of books and supplies, and $4,000 of estimated other expenses. 

Conclusion

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College places its students at the forefront of its vision, remaining committed to educational excellence and the preparation of a student body that can meet the challenges of a global society. Through the use of comprehensive and accessible educational opportunities, Trenholm State works toward being the region’s leading catalyst for economic and workforce development.

Learn more about H. Councill Trenholm State Community College here.

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Explore HBCU – J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College

Staff Writer
April 12, 2022

J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College is a conjoined community college and technical trade college in Huntsville, Alabama.

Background

Founded as the Huntsville State Vocational Technical College in 1961, the school opened with an enrollment of 27 students spread across three programs: cosmetology, auto mechanics, and brick masonry. Five years later, in 1966 the school changed its name to J.F. Drake State Technical Trade School in honor of Joseph Fanning Drake who had served as the long-time president of Alabama A&M University. 

In 1973, the Alabama State Board of Education granted the institution college status, an Associate in Applied Technology Degree (AAT) program began to be offered, and the name of the school was changed to J.F. Drake State Technical College. After becoming a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2012, the school earned community college status prompting a new name change, this time to J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College in 2013. The new name more accurately depicts the school’s standing as both a comprehensive two-year community college, and a core-driven technical college with well-renowned programs.

J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College is the first and only institution of its kind in Alabama. Today, students from J.F. Drake State are offered the opportunity to enhance their futures through the unique dual academic and technical training curricula offered by the college.

Programs & Opportunities

At Drake State, students can pursue coursework in a wide array of study, including: Adult Education, Advanced Manufacturing Programs, Automotive Service Technology, Business Administration Programs, Certificate Programs, Computer Information Systems Technology, Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management, Frontiers Research Program, Gainful Employment, General and Developmental Education, Health Sciences Programs, Heating & Air Conditioning Technology, and Salon and Spa Management Programs. The programs offer options for an Associate in Applied Science Degree or a Certificate Program designed for immediate entry into the job market after graduation, as well as associate degrees of science or art. 

Drake State has also established university articulation agreements with several schools in the surrounding Alabama area that make it possible for Drake State graduates to seamlessly transfer to these universities. Learn more about the many educational opportunities offered at J.F. Drake State Technical College here.

Alumni Affairs

J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College is committed to the preparation of its students with the right knowledge, training, and skills to go into the workforce immediately—benefitting not only the student and economy, but the community. 

Notable alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Dutch Hardy—small business owner of Dutch Treats and dealer services employee at the motor vehicle manufacturing company Manheim—studied Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at J.F. Drake State Technical College.
  • Raven Dickerson—programmer/computer science student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (one of J.F. Drake’s partner institutions for transfer students)—studied computer science at J.F. Drake State Community College.
  • Christel Ford—customer relations manager at France-based payment software company and service provider Ingenico Group—studied Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instruction at J.F. Drake State Technical College.

Financial Information

At J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, tuition is one of the best values in the state of Alabama. As part of its mission to provide the academic foundation and workplace skill development of students without requiring a lifetime of educational debt, classes ring in at only $161 per credit hour. The financial aid office also provides resources to assist with federal, state, and local grants as well as college and industry sponsored scholarships.

Before the application of financial aid, estimated total cost of attendance for in-state students is $15,110 composed of $4,410 for tuition and fees, $6,300 for room and board charges (including rooming accommodations and meals), $2,000 books and supplies, and $2,400 for other expenses (personal expenses, transportation, etc.). For out-of-state students, tuition is equal to two times that of the in-state amount, but all other fees remain the same.

Conclusion

At J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, students are uniquely educated to be able to meet the needs of an ever-changing workforce and global society. 

Learn more about J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College’s flexible and affordable opportunities here.

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Explore HBCU – Gadsen State Community College

Staff Writer
April 7, 2022

Gadsden State Community College is a public, historically black community college located in the cities of Gadsden, Centre, and Anniston, Alabama

Background

Gadsden State Community College is the product of a merger between Alabama Technical College, Gadsden State Technical Institute, Gadsden State Junior College, and Harry M. Ayers State Technical College.

  • Founded in 1925 as the Alabama School of Trades, Alabama Technical College was the first state-operated trade school in the south and is the oldest of Gadsden State’s campuses; it is now the East Broad Street Campus and home to a number of Gadsden State’s technical programs. 
  • Gadsden State Technical Institute was founded in 1960 as a private vocational training for black students; it is now the Valley Street Campus and home to the Construction Technology Program, Certified Nursing Assistant Program, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, Therapeutic Massage Program, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program, and several academic courses. 
  • Gadsden State Junior College was founded in 1965 by an act of the Alabama State Legislature; it is currently the Wallace Drive Campus, where offerings include the Inzer Student Center, Fowler Residence Hall, the Beck Field House and Conference Center, Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center, and academic course offerings. 

As part of a statewide effort to remove duplicate community college programs, in 1985 all three schools were consolidated by the Alabama State Board of Education in Gadsden State Community College.

Then, in 2003 the Harry M. Ayers State Technical College—originally founded in 1963 as a trade school—was further merged into Gadsden State Community College as part of the effort to eliminate duplication of courses. This branch of the college is now the Ayers Campus. Finally, for purposes of expansion and student accommodation, Gadsden State opened the Cherokee County Instructional Site which is a multi-level complex that offers an expanded list of courses for students wishing to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year institution.

Programs & Opportunities

Gadsden State is a comprehensive community college that—due to its large array of campuses and educational centers—is able to offer a variety of course, degree, and academic opportunity offerings. At Gadsden, administrators, faculty, and staff work together to prepare students for direct-entry into the workplace or transfer to a four-year university. There are more than 70 programs of study that span academic programming, technical programming, health sciences, and skills training.

Learn more about Gadsden State Community College’s degree and certificate offerings here.

Alumni Affairs

Gadsden Alumni are often active members within their community:

  • Dr. Teresa Rhea, Dean of Enrollment and Retention, recently spearheaded a project to help purchase and plant trees for a new green space being developed on Gadsden State’s campus after receiving the Good Roots Grant by the Alabama Power Foundation.
  • Jacob Vanderforb, member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, received an award for being an outstanding mentor for an Automotive Student Excellence (ASE) student in Automotive Service Technology for 2018.
  • Brian Galimore, Alumni Association student member, walked the course at the Gadsden Heart Walk on May 4, 2019 to help raise funds to honor survivors of cardiovascular disease and stroke within the community.

Financial Information

Through the acquisition of various federal, state, and private sources, the Gadsden State Financial Aid Office is able to help meet the needs of and encourage students in the pursuit of postsecondary education. Tuition and fees for a typical school year usually equal $3,888, helping students save a significant amount of money on tuition as opposed to a four-year college or institution.

Gadsden aims to make education more accessible for all, and many students choose Gadsden State because of its competitive pricing.

Conclusion

Gadsden State Community College helps prepare students from all backgrounds for success through quality education and an inclusive community steeped in global engagement. The school offers a variety of clubs, organizations, volunteer service opportunities, and extracurricular activities aimed to thoroughly enrich the development of its students.

Learn more about Gadsden State here. 

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Explore HBCU – Bishop State Community College

Staff Writer
April 5, 2022

Bishop State Community College is a public, historically black community college located in Mobile, Alabama.

Background

Bishop State Community College was founded in the summer of 1927 as the Mobile Branch of Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. Originally, it served as an institution to offer extension courses to African American elementary and secondary teachers in Mobile. 

In 1971, the Alabama State Board of Education renamed the college S.D. Bishop State College for its first president, Dr. Sanford D. Bishop. Then, in 1989, to reflect the growth in vocational and career offerings, transfer offerings, and community service activities, the board renamed the institution again to Bishop State Community College. Two technical colleges in Mobile (Carver State Technical College and Southwest State Technical College) were then consolidated with Bishop State Community College.

Presently, Carver State Technical College is the Carver Campus of Bishop State, and Southwest State Technical College is the Southwest Campus of Bishop State. In 1995, the main campus expanded with the addition of the Baker-Gaines Central site. There are also an additional three off-site locations located in Mobile and Washington Counties: the City of Semmes Training Center and the Theodore Oaks Shopping Center which offer art, English, math, psychology and speech communication program courses, and the truck driving site, which houses Bishop State’s commercial driver’s license training program.

The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Programs & Opportunities

A part of the Alabama Community College System—the state-supported network of two-year community, junior, and technical colleges for Alabama residents—Bishop State Community College offers more than 30 associate degree and certificate programs. The programs of study span across health sciences, adult education/GED preparation, career technical education, workforce development, dual enrollment, and those for academic transfer students who want to continue their education at a four-year institution. For students who may want to begin their careers immediately after graduation, Bishop State’s one and two-year career programs can help more quickly prepare students for rewarding jobs.

Learn more about Bishop State Community College’s degree programming here.

Alumni Affairs

Bishop State Community College aims to be a comprehensive learning facility that helps equip students with the knowledge and ability to achieve real-world success. Bishop State instructors are especially in touch with the trends and job requirements of today’s job-market, and as such their students are assured quality education aimed for successful preparation. 

Alumni Spotlight: Bishop State alumnus Lawrence L. Battiste IV graduated with an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Bishop State (and later earned a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree at another institution). Battiste is currently the Chief of Police for the City of Mobile (Alabama) Police Department.

Financial Information

At Bishop State, it is not only important that higher education be made accessible, but what’s more, affordable—the same first two years of academic courses typically cost less than half that of a traditional four-year college or university. Additionally, students are prepared for the workforce for less than half the cost of a for-profit institution. 

Tuition and fees are $162 per credit hour—equalling to $1,944 for a typical 12-credit hour semester—for in-state students. For out-of-state residents, the tuition is two times that of the in-state tuition rate.

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Conclusion

Through the provision of an open access model to affordable, quality education, Bishop State Community College works to promote student success, workforce training, adult education, community partnerships, and academic transfer.

Learn more about what Bishop State Community College has to offer here.

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