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:

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.

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.

This offseason, Alabama football was tasked with replacing every defensive back from its 2023 roster aside from Malachi Moore.

At corner, the Crimson Tide returns one member from its 2023 squad in Jahlil Hurley. At safety, it returns three members from its 2023 roster, including Moore, and brings in transfers Keon Sabb (Michigan), King Mack (Penn State) and Kameron Howard (Charlotte) from the portal and two true freshmen from its 2024 recruiting cycle.

Via the transfer portal, the Crimson Tide lost Caleb Downs to Ohio State, who led the team in tackles in 2023 (107). It also lost Jake Pope (Georgia), Kristian Story (Kentucky) to the transfer portal and Jaylen Key to the NFL Draft.

Alabama also brings in coaches Maurice Linguist and Colin Hitschler, who joined coach Kalen DeBoer’s staff over the offseason and are in charge of the Crimson Tide’s defensive backfield under new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. Wommack will be instilling his 4-2-5 “Swarm” defense at Alabama, brought with him from South Alabama.

Wommack will be introducing new terminology to the Crimson Tide safety room: Rover, the strong safety, and Husky, a more hybrid player who is essentially the nickel defensive back in Wommack’s system compared to that of former coach Nick Saban’s.

Here is how Alabama’s safeties room looks heading into fall camp. Every scholarship player and any notable walk-on is mentioned:

The options for Alabama football at safety

Projected starters: Rover: Keon Sabb, r-so.; FS: Malachi Moore, gr.; Husky: Devonta Smith, r-jr.

Reserves: King Mack, so.; Kameron Howard, so.; Bray Hubbard, so.; Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., fr.; Red Morgan, fr.

Sabb was a huge pickup for the Crimson Tide from the portal. He brings with him two years of elite college football experience, including one as a national champion with the Wolverines. He tallied 28 tackles, one for loss, along with four pass break ups and two interceptions in 2023.

Moore typically manned the-now Husky role for the Crimson Tide last season, but expect to see him perhaps man the free safety position this season. Last year, Moore was named a permanent team captain and started in 13 games, tallying 52 tackles, five for loss, to go with five pass breakups, one interception and one quarterback hurry.

Smith spent the first half of 2023 rehabbing from injury, but was able to see time in four games, where he collected four total tackles.

Howard saw time in nine games for the Crimson Tide in 2023 contributing on special teams. Mack appeared in 13 games at Penn State as a true freshman, totaling three tackles and a quarterback hurry. Howard saw time in 12 games at Charlotte last season and started in two of them, registering 38 tackles with 0.5 for loss to go with two interceptions and one pass breakup.

Morgan comes to Tuscaloosa as a four-star prospect and Kirkpatrick Jr. a three-star, per the 247Sports Composite.

The upside

Wommack’s defense might be a learning curve for the Crimson Tide players but should be one that should be easy for players to catch on to.

Speaking at SEC Media Days in Dallas, Moore spoke of the differences between the two systems, calling coach Saban’s defense “very complex,” while referring to Wommack’s as “a lot simpler.”

“Coach Saban’s defense was a very complex style of defense from making checks to motions and different formations and alignments of receivers. It was a very complex system to be in and you had to be a very good communicator, you had to be very smart,” Moore said. “In this defense, now under Coach Wommack it’s a lot of vision coverage and it’s a lot simpler from people who were in coach Saban’s defense. A lot more eyes on the quarterback allowing you to make plays on the ball and get more turnovers.”

Players will also have plenty of time to adjust between the two between spring practice and fall camp before the season-opener on Aug. 31 vs. Western Kentucky.

2024 TICKETS: How to buy Alabama football tickets? See prices for games on 2024 schedule

CORNERBACKS: How to buy Alabama football tickets? See prices for games on 2024 schedule

One question or concern

Alabama lost majority of its production at safety from the 2023 season, so of course the question remains as to how Alabama’s secondary will perform this season.

Aside from Moore and Smith, Alabama’s safety room lacks real-game SEC experience. However, the Crimson Tide bring in key transfers, especially in Sabb coming in from Michigan with prior College Football Playoff experience.

Alabama also brings in talent from its 2024 recruiting cycle in Morgan and Kirkpatrick Jr. and with its transfers in Howard and Mack, both sophomores, the Crimson Tide safety room should be in a good position for years to come.

Breakout candidate

Last season, it seemed as if Smith was in line to serve a bigger role for the Crimson Tide. But injuries prevented him from doing so, not appearing in a game until November vs. Kentucky.

This season, Smith is in prime position to start the Husky position in Wommack’s new defense.

Smith, in his redshirt junior season at Alabama, has waited for an opportunity like this one, expect him to be ready.