Alabama A&M University Proposes to Purchase Birmingham-Southern College for $52M

In what could be an unprecedented and historic move for Alabama’s education sector, the Alabama A&M University (AAMU) has proposed a $52 million offer to acquire Birmingham-Southern College (BSC). The intent behind this offer is to maintain the school’s qualified faculty and staff, and operate the BSC property as a standalone campus under the AAMU’s umbrella.

AAMU’s Commitment to Preserve BSC’s Heritage

Shannon Reeves, AAMU’s Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs, guaranteed that if the agreement to purchase BSC is finalized, there would be no subdivisions of the campus for private industries or any other for-profit use. “AAMU is committed to using the entire campus to provide a quality higher education experience for each and every student,” Reeves said.

Historic Moment for America’s Higher Education

Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, celebrated the university’s possible acquisition. “If they should get it, this would be a historic moment, not only for the state of Alabama but for the country,” Givan said. She highlighted that no Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have ever bought a predominantly white institution.

Breathing Life into BSC

Anticipating a significant positive impact on the 192-acre BSC campus and its surrounding communities, Givan expressed, “We want someone to bring in life and vitality. Alabama A&M is one of the strongest HBCUs in the country.”

If the offer is accepted, about 1,000 AAMU students are projected to be at the BSC campus by the Fall 2025 semester, with a goal of 3,500 students on the campus by 2029.

AAMU’s Ongoing Growth

Alabama A&M is currently experiencing a growth spurt, with an all-time high enrollment of 6,600 and its largest ever freshman class of more than 2,100. “Our numbers are up. Our concern is trying to house these students. We’re projected to go over 7,000 in the fall. So the demand for our academic offerings and what we’re doing at Alabama A&M, the demand for students is there,” Reeves commented.

Enhanced Community Relationships

Reeves also talked about the university’s strong relationship with Birmingham, home of the annual Magic City Classic football game between A&M and Alabama State University. Ten percent of A&M’s students are from Birmingham, and Jefferson County houses more A&M alumni than any other county, according to Reeves.

Raising the Classic’s Visibility

Rep. Givan believes that an AAMU acquisition of the college would increase the visibility of the Magic City Classic. “This city will be lit. That’s from the Urban Dictionary, but the city will be so lit it will probably be even bigger than ever before,” she expressed.

This potential acquisition represents not only a substantial outcome for both the AAMU and BSC but holds the potential to shape the future dynamics of higher education within the state of Alabama and beyond.