Alabama

Alabama’s 5 most beautiful HBCU campuses

Published

2 years ago

July 30, 2024

Alabama’s 5 most beautiful HBCU campuses

Alabama has the most Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, than any other state in America.

Because HBCUs are a huge cultural cornerstone in the state, people from all over the country begin their collegiate careers on one of the 14 campuses. However, each campus offers a unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty.

Here’s a glimpse into the five most beautiful HBCU campuses in Alabama:

The competition pool at Bishop State Community College during a recent water safety days event. (Courtesy of Tyler Kerns).

5. Bishop State Community College

The only community college that made our list, the Mobile school has five campuses across the city and Washington County. However, the main campus in downtown Mobile serves as the the largest and most central of Bishop State’s facilities. It features a range of academic buildings, administrative offices, and student services that offers various programs and is equipped with modern classrooms, labs, and student support services.

The main campus features a blend of historic and modern architectural elements. This includes several buildings with traditional brick facades and updated facilities with well-maintained green spaces, paved walkways, and areas where students can relax. The urban setting contributes to its aesthetic, with views of the cityscape and nearby historical landmarks.

In 2023, Bishop State Community College celebrated the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology, which serves as a training facility in a variety of STEM programs, including Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, 3D printing, Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) and Mechatronics and Robotics. At the time, Jimmy Baker, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, said the center is the “model” for other community colleges around the state.

College presidents' salaries — Oakwood University.Kayode Crown

4. Oakwood University

Oakwood University is Huntsville’s private Seventh Day Adventist HBCU, and it is steeped in the arts. The campus is known for its picturesque and serene setting against the backdrop of the Tennessee Valley.

Situated on a hillside, it offers beautiful views of the campus and is surrounded by greenery with gorgeously landscaped lawns and wooded areas that provide a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.

Oakwood has several historic buildings that reflect its long history, including the main administration building and other structures preserved and integrated into the modern campus environment. It’s also home to Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Little Richard’s remains.

3. Stillman College

This HBCU sits in the heart of Tuscaloosa. If you’re able to view the center of the campus, known as Shepherd Lawn, through the gates on 15th street, you’ll see a beautifully manicured lawn (that students aren’t even allowed to walk on) covered with large magnolia trees. The campus features a blend of historic and modern architecture. The older buildings, like the administration building and older academic structures, highlight classic brick facades and traditional design elements.

Like most HBCU campuses, a mix of of buildings new and old. However, Stillman College’s campus is noted for its blend of historical elegance and modern functionality.

There are various student-centered spaces on campus, including the Hay Student Center and Greek Row, where they can gather for studying, as well as social and recreational activities.

Additionally, on the backside of the campus, you’ll find a beautiful, water fountain in the courtyard facing the back of the Hay Center that also sits across from the President’s house, that reminds you of a storybook cottage.

2. Alabama A&M State University

Alabama A&M University is the state’s largest HBCU with around 6,000 students and is also called, The Hill, because of the geographical feature of the campus’s location on a prominent hill. Over time, the campus’ elevated position became a defining characteristic, earning it the affectionate nickname among students, alumni, and the Huntsville community.

The campus sits on a 1,100-acre site, featuring a well-planned layout with expansive lawns, shaded areas, and tree-lined paths. Key historic buildings such as the Cunningham Hall and The Carnegie Library reflect the university’s long-standing tradition and heritage. In contrast, modern facilities include the Wilhelmina J. Harris Performing Arts Center and the New Student Center, which offer up-to-date amenities and support contemporary educational and extracurricular needs.

1. Tuskegee University

Known for many it’s many historical contributions, Tuskegee is the only university in the nation that’s registered as a National Historic site. But that is not the only reason we picked the school in our top spot.

The campus was primarily built by Tuskegee University students in the early 1900s while founder and its first president Booker T. Washington led the school, and it received funding from wealthy donors like John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford.

The entire campus sits on more than 5,000 acres of land, but the core campus is on 240 acres and includes the campus’ most historical buildings that face The Yard, where students gather in between classes. Due to the historic landmark status of the university, none of the buildings can be demolished or replaced — they can only be renovated, which is why most of the campus still features the Neoclassicism architecture that was prominent during the early 1900s.

One significant landmark is the chapel used for various ceremonies, highlighting the historical aspects of the university. It also sits next to the university’s on-campus cemetery where Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, and a few past university presidents are buried.

In 2023, Southern Living named Tuskegee University as one of Alabama’s most beautiful college campuses in the South. “Each beautiful building is steeped in rich history, adding to their appeal, and the rural locale promises sweeping greenery,” the article said.

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Alabama

University of Alabama releases parking plans ahead of A-Day weekend

Published

4 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

University of Alabama releases parking plans ahead of A-Day weekend

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBMA) — Drivers planning to be on the University of Alabama campus for Golden Flake A-Day and the concert at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium should prepare for several parking lot closures starting Friday, April 10.

UA Safety said parking lots on the north and west sides of Bryant-Denny Stadium will close at 5 p.m. Friday, April 10, and all vehicles should be cleared from the affected areas.

UA Safety said the following lots must be cleared:

– Communications Reserved Lot (behind the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences)

– Northwest BDS Apron Lot

– Parking lots on Wallace Wade Avenue

UA Safety said the lots will remain closed during the week of April 13-19.

Faculty and staff who regularly use those lots can find available parking in the Tutwiler Triangle Lot, Tutwiler Parking Deck, Magnolia Parking Deck, North ten Hoor Deck, and East ten Hoor Lot, according to UA Safety.

University of Alabama April 10, 2026

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Alabama

Alabama CHOOSE act draws a record number of applicants in its second year

Published

16 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Alabama CHOOSE Act draws a record number of applicants in its second year

THE FORECAST. ALL RIGHT. JASON. WELL, THIS WEEK IS NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK MEANT TO GIVE PARENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AWARENESS OF THE OPTIONS THEY HAVE FOR THEIR CHILD’S EDUCATION. AND SOME RECENT POLLS IN ALABAMA SHOW THAT HAVING THAT CHOICE IS GROWING IN POPULARITY WITH PARENTS. A POLL COMMISSIONED BY NEW SCHOOLS FOR ALABAMA SHOWS THAT 67% OF THOSE SURVEYED SUPPORT A PARENT’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHERE THEIR CHILD GOES TO SCHOOL. NOW, THOSE POLLED ALSO SHOWED A 30 POINT JUMP IN OVERALL SUPPORT FOR OPTIONS LIKE CHARTER SCHOOLS, WHICH ARE A PUBLICLY FUNDED SCHOOL OPERATING INDEPENDENTLY FROM A SCHOOL DISTRICT. HERE IN ALABAMA, IT’S EASIER THAN EVER FOR PARENTS TO CHOOSE DIFFERENT AVENUES OF EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN. ALABAMA’S CHOOSE ACT GIVES PARENTS THE ABILITY TO PAY FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCHOOLING THROUGH WHAT’S CALLED EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. WVTM 13 SARAH KILLIAN HAS A CLOSER LOOK AT HOW THIS WORKS AND THE IMPACT IT’S HAD ON FAMILIES IN OUR AREA. FOR JOEY, BETH AND JOSH BUGG OF HOOVER, HOMESCHOOLING THEIR DAUGHTERS WASN’T JUST A CHOICE, IT WAS A CALLING. WE REALLY FELT A VERY STRONG PEACE FROM GOD TO BE LIKE, THIS IS THIS IS THE RIGHT THING FOR YOUR FAMILY. BUT THAT CALLING WAS IN JEOPARDY IN 2024 WHEN JOSH LOST HIS JOB. HOMESCHOOLING IS VERY EXPENSIVE. CURRICULUM AND TECHNOLOGY AND PRINTERS AND PAPER AND MATERIALS ADDS UP VERY, VERY QUICKLY. WITH THAT FINANCIAL BURDEN LOOMING, A FRIEND OF CHURCH TOLD THE COUPLE ABOUT THE CHOOSE ACT ALABAMA SCHOOL CHOICE LAW. IT JUST WENT INTO EFFECT IN 2025. IT PROVIDES REFUNDABLE TAX CREDITS THROUGH EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, UP TO $7,000 FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND $2,000 FOR HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS. IT IS A LOT OF WORK TO GET IT AND TO GET THE ACCOUNT AND USE IT CORRECTLY AND SUBMIT IT. SUBMIT FORMS TO GET YOUR CURRICULUM OR WHATEVER IT MAY BE. BUT FOR US, IT WAS DEFINITELY WORTH IT. IT WAS HARD WORK, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. AND IT’S BEEN WORTH IT FOR THOUSANDS OF OTHER FAMILIES IN ALABAMA. ACCORDING TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND THE TAX YEAR, 23,206 STUDENTS WERE APPROVED FOR EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, AND OF THOSE STUDENTS APPROVED, MORE THAN 19,000 RECEIVED THE MONEY, AND THE MAJORITY OF THE STUDENTS ARE IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS. WHILE MORE THAN 7000 HOMESCHOOL STATE REPRESENTATIVE DANNY GARRETT OF TRUSSVILLE WAS ONE OF THE SPONSORS OF THE CHOOSE ACT. HE SAYS HE FELT STRONGLY THAT THE STATE NEEDED TO ADDRESS A GROWING TREND. EVERYTHING IS ABOUT CUSTOMIZATION, FLEXIBILITY AND CHOICE, AND EDUCATION IS NO DIFFERENT. ALABAMA IS ONE OF 18 STATES THAT FUND EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. SOME CRITICS SAY THAT THESE TAKE AWAY FROM FUNDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS. EVERY YEAR. WE’VE INCREASED THE EDUCATION BUDGETS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS EVERY YEAR ARE GETTING MORE EVEN WITH THE CHOOSE ACT, THE $100 MILLION OF AN $11 BILLION BUDGET THAT’S SETTING ASIDE FOR TUESDAY, THEY’RE STILL GETTING MORE MONEY. AND PUBLIC EDUCATION LEADERS IN THE STATE ARE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THAT. RYAN HOLLINGSWORTH IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS OF ALABAMA. HE FOLLOWED THE CHOOSE ACT CLOSELY AS IT MADE ITS WAY THROUGH THE STATE LEGISLATURE. THE LEGISLATION IS A PRETTY NICE IMPROVEMENT OVER SOME OTHER THINGS ACROSS THE NATION. IN ALABAMA, WE, THE LEGISLATURE, OUR LEADERSHIP, AND SET UP A SEPARATE ACCOUNT. SO THE ESSA ACTUALLY COMES OUT OF THE FUND, NOT DIRECTLY OUT OF THE EDUCATION BUDGET. AND WHILE HE AGREES THAT AS OF RIGHT NOW, PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAVE NOT BEEN SHORT CHANGED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE, HE DOES WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE. YOU’RE SEEING THE EDUCATION REVENUE START TO FLATTEN. IF OUR REVENUES FLATTEN, THEN HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GROW A CERTAIN PROGRAM WITHOUT TAKING AWAY FROM ANOTHER PROGRAM? STATE REPRESENTATIVE GARRETT IS QUICK TO ASSURE THAT FUNDING FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE. BUT THINGS ARE CHANGING. WE’VE NOT SEEN ANY STATE THAT’S HAD SCHOOL CHOICE SEE A MASS EXODUS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BUT YOU ARE GOING TO SEE A CONTINUED SHIFT. I THINK MORE AND MORE FEWER AND FEWER TO PRIVATE SCHOOL, MORE TO THE HOMESCHOOL MICRO SCHOOL. THOSE THOSE CONCEPTS SEEM TO BE REALLY GROWING AND GAINING, GAINING STEAM. THE HOMESCHOOL MOVEMENT HIT ITS PEAK DURING THE PANDEMIC, AND IT CONTINUES STRONG TODAY. APPROXIMATELY 3 MILLION STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY HOMESCHOOL, AND WHEN THE BUCK FAMILY STARTED THEIR HOMESCHOOL JOURNEY IN 2023, THEY WEREN’T ALONE. SO THE LORD PUT IT ONTO MY HEART TO REACH OUT TO MY CHURCH FAMILY AND TALK TO DIFFERENT MOMS. AND BEYOND THAT, HE JUST REALLY STARTED BLESSING WITH MANY, MANY DIFFERENT MOM FRIENDS THAT WERE EITHER HAD BEEN HOMESCHOOLING FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR WERE CONSIDERING HOMESCHOOLING, AND TOGETHER THE BUGS AND OTHER FAMILIES AT HUNTER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH IN HOOVER STARTED THEIR OWN HOMESCHOOL COOPERATIVE, THE HUNTER HOMESCHOOL COOPERATIVE IS IN ITS SECOND YEAR AND HAS 63 STUDENTS GRADES ONE THROUGH FOUR. BRITTANY QUINN IS THE ADMINISTRATOR. PARENTS DROP THEIR KIDS OFF FROM 830 AND WE STAY UNTIL 130, SO TWO HALF DAYS A WEEK AND WE COVER ACADEMICS. WE HAVE CHAPEL EVERY DAY, TIME FOR RECREATION. YOU’VE GOT A GOOD HALF DAY, TWICE A WEEK OF ACADEMIC LEARNING, BUT THEN YOU ALSO HAVE THE FREEDOM TO DO THAT AT HOME, BY YOURSELF, WITH YOUR PARENTS, OR WITH A GROUP, OR AT THE PARK, OR AT THE LIBRARY OR ON YOUR COUCH. FOR THE FAMILIES INVOLVED IN THE CO-OP, IT OFFERS COMMUNITY. I FEEL LIKE IT HAS JUST OPENED UP A WORLD OF DIFFERENT THINGS FOR OUR DAUGHTER AND OUR UPCOMING DAUGHTER TO LEARN ABOUT AND SEE THAT SHE MIGHT NOT HAVE GOTTEN OTHERWISE. AND FOR THE BUGS, HOMESCHOOLING WOULD BE THEIR CHOICE. WITH OR WITHOUT THE CHOOSE ACT, WE KNOW THAT IT’S THE RIGHT FIT FOR OUR FAMILY. IT MIGHT NOT BE THE RIGHT FIT FOR EVERY OTHER FAMILY, AND WE SUPPORT THOSE FAMILIES IN WHATEVER JOURNEY THAT THEY HAVE GOING ON, AND WE ARE JUST INCREDIBLY THANKFUL FOR THIS IS WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR OUR FAMILY IN HOOVER. SARAH KILLIAN WVTM 13. THE APPLICATION FOR THE CHOOSE ACT FOR THE 20 2627 SCHOOL YEAR IS NOW OPEN. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MARCH 31ST. YOU CAN FIND THE LIST OF

Alabama CHOOSE Act draws a record number of applicants in its second year

Updated: 10:29 PM CDT Apr 8, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that Alabama’s education savings account program, known as the CHOOSE Act, drew a record number of applicants in its second year, with nearly 49,000 students seeking participation.The application period for the 2026–27 school year closed March 31 with 29,341 applications representing 48,927 students, according to the governor’s office. That total includes 18,832 new applications covering 29,986 students and 10,509 renewal applications representing 18,941 students.“The CHOOSE Act has changed the lives of thousands of Alabama families by enabling them to choose schools that best align with their priorities and their child’s specific needs,” Governor Ivey said in a statement. “The increase in applications for the upcoming school year shows that the people of Alabama want school choice, and I am proud that we are able to give it to them.” Families from a range of educational backgrounds applied to the program. Private school applicants made up the largest share with 21,351 students, followed by 13,425 homeschool applicants and 8,961 students from public and charter schools. Among homeschool applicants, 8,264 were new and 697 were renewals.Applications spanned all grade levels, from incoming kindergarteners through high school seniors. There were 24,305 female applicants and 24,611 male applicants. Of the female applicants, 9,480 were renewals and 14,825 were new, while male applicants included 9,458 renewals and 15,153 new submissions.>> YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Community coverage from WVTM 13The program also saw participation from 5,115 students with special needs, including 1,973 renewals and 3,142 new applicants. Additionally, 1,121 applications came from active-duty military families living in priority school districts, including 356 renewals and 765 new applicants.Families are expected to be notified of funding decisions in mid-April, with approved students able to begin using CHOOSE Act funds for eligible expenses starting in July.

The application period for the 2026–27 school year closed March 31 with 29,341 applications representing 48,927 students, according to the governor’s office. That total includes 18,832 new applications covering 29,986 students and 10,509 renewal applications representing 18,941 students.

“The CHOOSE Act has changed the lives of thousands of Alabama families by enabling them to choose schools that best align with their priorities and their child’s specific needs,” Governor Ivey said in a statement.

“The increase in applications for the upcoming school year shows that the people of Alabama want school choice, and I am proud that we are able to give it to them.”

Families from a range of educational backgrounds applied to the program. Private school applicants made up the largest share with 21,351 students, followed by 13,425 homeschool applicants and 8,961 students from public and charter schools. Among homeschool applicants, 8,264 were new and 697 were renewals.

Applications spanned all grade levels, from incoming kindergarteners through high school seniors. There were 24,305 female applicants and 24,611 male applicants. Of the female applicants, 9,480 were renewals and 14,825 were new, while male applicants included 9,458 renewals and 15,153 new submissions.

>> YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Community coverage from WVTM 13

The program also saw participation from 5,115 students with special needs, including 1,973 renewals and 3,142 new applicants. Additionally, 1,121 applications came from active-duty military families living in priority school districts, including 356 renewals and 765 new applicants.

Families are expected to be notified of funding decisions in mid-April, with approved students able to begin using CHOOSE Act funds for eligible expenses starting in July.

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Alabama

Alabama passes scholarship bill for families of long-serving law enforcement

Published

1 day ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Alabama passes scholarship bill for families of long-serving law enforcement

The Alabama Legislature has given final passage to HB98, the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Act, which provides up to $2,500 in tuition assistance per academic period to the spouses and children of long-serving law enforcement officers.

The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris), was originally part of Governor Kay Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s Safe Alabama Package in 2025. It is intended to help retain experienced officers at a time when law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling with staffing shortages.

Under the bill, scholarship funds may be used for an undergraduate course of study at any public or private technical school, college, or university in Alabama. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education will administer the program and is required to report annually to the Legislature on its progress.

The bill also establishes the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Fund and authorizes the Department of Revenue to create a blackout license plate, with proceeds directed to the fund.

Existing law already provides financial assistance to children and spouses of law enforcement officers killed or totally disabled in the line of duty. HB98 expands that support to the families of long-term city, county, and state law enforcement officers still actively serving.

“Our law enforcement put it all on the line every day they go to work, and so do their families,” Ivey said. “I am proud we will support long-serving law enforcement families through dependent scholarships. I look forward to signing HB98 into law, and I thank Speaker Ledbetter for making this a priority.”

Ledbetter called the legislation a long overdue recognition of law enforcement families.

“The passage of HB98 is a long overdue show of thanks for Alabama’s law enforcement officers and the families supporting them as they work to protect and serve this great state,” Ledbetter said. “Over the course of the last two sessions, the men and women of the House have led the charge in delivering additional resources and support to law enforcement in an effort to bolster public safety. It is one thing to say your state is pro-law enforcement, but it is another to put action behind those words. Today, Alabama did exactly that.”

Tuesday was the 27th day of the 2026 legislative session. There are 2 days remaining.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].

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