Alabama A&M University has made an offer to purchase Birmingham-Southern College, valued at approximately $52 million.
If accepted by the BSC board of trustees, the campus would operate as a standalone, independent campus under the Alabama A&M umbrella with the university seeking to retain credentialed faculty and staff. If approved, this would be the first public HBCU in Birmingham.
Significantly, A&M’s offer is not affiliated with any consortium of HBCUs to purchase BSC, which is the proposal of State Sen. Merika Coleman (R-Birmingham). In interviews and speeches to the Alabama Senate, Coleman said all HBCUs in Alabama are in talks to make an offer for BSC as well, however no plans have been released.
Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs, Shannon Reeves, confirmed today that Alabama A&M submitted an offer.
“If the purchase agreement is accepted by BSC, AAMU makes a commitment that the campus would not be subdivided 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.
Under the proposed transaction, Alabama A&M would be placed as the sole proprietor of the BSC campus, offering a full range of academic programs that have been outlined in a detailed preliminary plan.
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“For AAMU to thrive, it must vigorously recruit and retain students through graduation. It is also important to develop resource streams to support growth and institutional enhancements, along with re-examining AAMU’s academic program mix to ensure alignment with the needs of the students AAMU would like to recruit and retain,” a document entitled “Alabama A&M University at Birmingham” reads.
“The acquisition of Birmingham Southern College is consistent with AAMU’s strategy to offer a best-in-class education wherever the university operates. This opportunity will offer tremendous benefits to key stakeholders including faculty and staff, alumni and the local community.”
He added that Alabama A&M is eager to partner with the neighborhood associations and other community-based organizations in west Birmingham and across the city. “Our goal is one campus, one culture and one community,” said Reeves.
If purchased, Alabama A&M projects to have 1,000 students on the Birmingham campus by the fall 2025 semester, with an enrollment goal of 3,500 students by 2029.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
