How a 19th-century teacher training school became America's first state-supported institution for Black students
In short: Founded in 1867, Alabama State University began as a small school in Marion. Over the decades, it survived legal battles and name changes to evolve from a humble 'normal school' into a comprehensive research institution with a global reach.
The university's origins lie in the Reconstruction era. Originally established as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion, it was one of approximately 180 'normal schools' created by state governments to train teachers for the burgeoning public school system. In 1874, following a legislative act, the school became the first institution in the United States specifically supported by a state to provide education for Black students. This era marked the beginning of its long-standing identity as a 'teachers' college.'
The institution's journey was marked by significant structural and geographic shifts. Under the leadership of its second president, William Burns Paterson—who served for 37 of the school's first 48 years—the university moved from Marion to Montgomery in 1887. Moving to Montgomery proved difficult, as a decision by the Alabama State Supreme Court required the institution to use the title 'Normal School for Colored Students'.
Throughout the 20th century, the school underwent several transformations, evolving from a junior college to a four-year institution in 1928, and eventually adopting the name Alabama State University in 1969. Today, the university is a comprehensive regional institution. Its legacy is further enriched by cultural contributions, such as the Bama State Collegians jazz orchestra, which featured trumpeter Erskine Hawkins, whose hit 'Tuxedo Junction' became a World War II anthem.
The university continues to grow through significant modern investments. In 2021, it received a $24.7 million federal grant to support Montgomery Public Schools students. Most recently, in 2025, a $38 million donation from MacKenzie Scott became the largest single gift in the institution's history, reinforcing its role as a vital center for research and education.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Alabama State University
- Also: www.alasu.edu — Alabama State University | Public University & HBCU
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