Alabama’s Five Most Beautiful HBCU Campuses

Alabama boasts the highest number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation, with 14 campuses. These institutions are cultural cornerstones in the state, attracting students from across the country. Each campus offers a unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Here are five of the most beautiful HBCU campuses in Alabama:

5. Bishop State Community College

Bishop State Community College, the only community college on our list, spans five campuses across Mobile and Washington County. The main campus, located in downtown Mobile, is the largest and serves as the central hub. It features a range of academic buildings, administrative offices, and student services, with modern classrooms, labs, and student support services.

The main campus combines historic and modern architectural elements, including traditional brick facades and updated facilities, surrounded by well-maintained green spaces, paved walkways, and relaxing areas for students. Its urban setting offers views of the cityscape and nearby historical landmarks.

In 2023, the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology was celebrated as a model training facility for various STEM programs, including Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, 3D printing, Electronic Engineering Technology, and Mechatronics and Robotics. Jimmy Baker, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, praised it as a “model” for other community colleges in the state.

4. Oakwood University

Oakwood University, a private Seventh-day Adventist HBCU in Huntsville, is renowned for its picturesque and serene setting against the backdrop of the Tennessee Valley. Situated on a hillside, it offers beautiful views and is surrounded by greenery, with landscaped lawns and wooded areas providing a tranquil atmosphere.

The campus features several historic buildings, including the main administration building, which are preserved and integrated into the modern campus environment. Oakwood University is also the final resting place of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Little Richard.

3. Stillman College

Located in the heart of Tuscaloosa, Stillman College boasts a beautifully manicured lawn, known as Shepherd Lawn, which students aren’t allowed to walk on. The campus features a blend of historic and modern architecture, with older buildings like the administration building showcasing classic brick facades and traditional design elements.

Stillman’s campus is noted for its historical elegance and modern functionality, with various student-centered spaces, including the Hay Student Center and Greek Row, where students gather for studying, socializing, and recreational activities. The campus also features a picturesque water fountain in the courtyard facing the Hay Center and the President’s house, reminiscent of a storybook cottage.

2. Alabama A&M University

Alabama A&M University, the state’s largest HBCU with around 6,000 students, is affectionately known as "The Hill" due to its location on a prominent hill. The campus spans 1,100 acres, featuring expansive lawns, shaded areas, and tree-lined paths. Key historic buildings, such as Cunningham Hall and The Carnegie Library, reflect the university’s long-standing tradition and heritage. Modern facilities include the Wilhelmina J. Harris Performing Arts Center and the New Student Center, which support contemporary educational and extracurricular needs.

1. Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University is renowned for its many historical contributions and is the only university in the nation registered as a National Historic Site. The campus, primarily built by Tuskegee students in the early 1900s under the leadership of founder Booker T. Washington, received funding from wealthy donors like John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford.

The core campus sits on 240 acres within a larger 5,000-acre property and includes the most historic buildings, many of which face The Yard, a central gathering place for students. Due to its historic landmark status, buildings on the campus can only be renovated, preserving the Neoclassical architecture prominent in the early 1900s.

One significant landmark is the chapel used for various ceremonies, which highlights the historical aspects of the university. Nearby is the on-campus cemetery where Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, and several past university presidents are buried.

In 2023, Southern Living named Tuskegee University one of Alabama’s most beautiful college campuses in the South, praising its rich history and sweeping greenery.

Each of these campuses offers a unique and beautiful setting, reflecting the rich history and cultural significance of HBCUs in Alabama.