Alabama
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.
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.
Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa. (Stillman College)
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.
A view of stormy skies over the Alabama A&M campus in Huntsville, Alabama. (Photo by Patricia Miklik)Patricia Miklik
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.
Tuskegee University is one of six institutions in Alabama that has a state-licensed industrial hemp research program. (Hannah Denham / Hdenham@al.com)Hannah Denham
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.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBMA) — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is asking a federal court to allow the state to use its own congressional district map ahead of the May 19 primary, arguing that the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has changed the legal landscape for voting rights redistricting challenges.
Marshall filed an emergency motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama seeking to lift injunctions that have blocked Alabama from using the congressional map enacted by the Legislature. The request follows what Marshall described as a landmark Supreme Court ruling last week that “significantly changed the legal standards governing voting rights redistricting claims.”
In that ruling, the Supreme Court held that states have authority to draw district lines based on political and traditional geographic considerations, and that challengers must show race — not partisan politics — drove a state’s decisions. The court also held that pointing to racially polarized voting patterns alone is not enough to prove a violation without also showing the voting patterns could not be explained by party affiliation.
“The Supreme Court has confirmed that the claims that led to the injunctions against Alabama’s map are no longer viable,” Marshall said. “We are asking the court to lift those injunctions so that Alabama can conduct its congressional elections using the map its legislature lawfully enacted.”
The filing is the latest in a series of actions Marshall has taken since the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. On April 30, Marshall filed emergency motions with the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to vacate the congressional map injunctions and remand the cases. On May 4, he filed a separate emergency motion with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to lift injunctions involving a different set of maps — Alabama’s state Senate districts.
The motion filed today asks the original district court that issued the congressional map injunctions to stay its own orders while appeals continue.
Gov. Kay Ivey has called the Alabama Legislature into a special session this week to prepare for the possibility that elections may proceed under the state’s map. Marshall asked the court to rule no later than 3 p.m. tomorrow, May 6, saying the state needs time to make preparations before the primary.
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“Alabama deserves the same opportunity as every other state to conduct its elections in an orderly manner using a map drawn by its own legislature,” Marshall said. “I will continue to do everything in my power to make that a reality. We are confident the court will recognize that last week’s Supreme Court decision requires a fresh look at these injunctions.”
Every April, Alabama football sends a fresh batch of players to the NFL via the NFL draft.
This past April, the Crimson Tide’s streak of having at least one player selected in the first round reached 18 straight years when offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor went to the Miami Dolphins with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
One pick later, the Los Angeles Rams made the most stunning move of the draft when they selected quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall.
Alabama’s 18-year streak of having at least one player selected in the draft is the longest in college football history. The Ohio State Buckeyes are second to Alabama, having had a player drafted in the first round in 11 consecutive years. The Georgia Bulldogs have now done it nine years in a row.
The Crimson Tide had 10 players taken overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Germie Bernard was a second-round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Alabama had seven players drafted on Day 3: LT Overton (fourth round, Dallas Cowboys), Parker Brailsford (fifth round, Cleveland Browns), Justin Jefferson (fifth round, Cleveland), Josh Cuevas (fifth round, Baltimore Ravens), Domani Jackson (sixth round, Green Bay Packers), Tim Keenan III (seventh round, Rams), and Jam Miller (seventh round, New England Patriots).
As for which team has the most Alabama players on its roster after the draft? Take a look.
Which NFL teams have the most Alabama football players?
Here’s a breakdown of Alabama players on current NFL rosters following the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Philadelphia Eagles: 9 — DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Cameron Latu, Jihaad Campbell, Byron Young, Deontae Lawson, Jaeden Roberts, Jalen Hurts (Alabama/Oklahoma)
- Atlanta Falcons: 5 — Da’Shawn Hand, Tua Tagovailoa, Christian Harris, DeMarcco Hellams, Brian Robinson
- Detroit Lions: 4 — Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold
- Seattle Seahawks: 4 — Jarren Reed, Josh Jobe, Jalen Milroe, Robbie Ouzts
- Baltimore Ravens: 3 — Derrick Henry, Marlon Humphrey, Josh Cuevas
- Carolina Panthers: 3 — Bryce Young, John Metchie, LaBryan Ray
- Cleveland Browns: 3 — Jerry Jeudy, Parker Brailsford, Justin Jefferson
- Dallas Cowboys: 3 — Quinnen Williams, Tyler Booker, LT Overton
- Denver Broncos: 3 — Jaylen Waddle, Patrick Surtain II, Que Robinson
- Green Bay Packers: 3 — Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney, Domani Jackson
- Los Angeles Chargers: 3 — Dalvin Tomlinson, JK Scott, Justin Eboigbe
- Los Angeles Rams: 3 — Ty Simpson, Tim Keenan III, Nikhai Hill-Green
- New England Patriots: 3 — Christian Barmore, CJ Dippre, Jam Miller
- New Orleans Saints: 3 — Anfernee Jennings, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Dashawn Jones
- Cincinnati Bengals: 2 — Jonathan Allen, Jordan Battle
- Houston Texans: 2 — Will Anderson Jr., Henry To’oTo’o
- Miami Dolphins: 2 — Ronnie Harrison Jr, Kadyn Proctor
- Minnesota Vikins: 2 — Dallas Turner, Will Reichard
- New York Jets: 2 — Minkah Fitzpatrick, Malachi Moore
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2 — A’Shawn Robinson, Chris Braswell
- Tennessee Titans: 2 — Calvin Ridley, JC Latham
- Arizona Cardinals: 1 — Mack Wilson
- Buffalo Bills: 1 — Phidarian Mathis
- Chicago Bears: 1 — Jedrick Wills Jr.
- Indianapolis Colts: 1 — Tim Smith
- New York Giants: 1 — Evan Neal
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 1 — Germie Bernard
- San Francisco 49ers: 1 — Mac Jones
- Washington Commanders: 1 — Daron Payne
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 0
- Kansas City Chiefs: 0
- Las Vegas Raiders: 0
Follow us at @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook, for ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
MOBILE, Ala. (WSFA) – Four of the six Republican candidates seeking to be the GOP’s nominee for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat are set to take part in a forum Monday evening.
WSFA 12 News will carry the forum live at 6 p.m. on our website, as well as our news and smart TV apps, and on our Facebook and Youtube channels.
The forum is being hosted by the Azalea City Republican Women of Mobile.
The participants include Seth Burton, Dale Shelton Deas Jr., Steve Marshall, and Rodney Walker.
Rep. Barry Moore and Jared Hudson are not participating.
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Copyright 2026 WSFA. All rights reserved.
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