In an exciting development for both Miles College and the surrounding community, Miles has officially signed a purchase agreement for Birmingham-Southern College’s sprawling 192-acre campus. This unanimous decision by the Boards of Trustees comes after BSC announced it would cease normal operations on May 31, 2024. For Miles College, this acquisition isn’t just about expanding its footprint; it’s about honoring the legacy of Birmingham-Southern while enhancing its role as a leading HBCU in Alabama.
Miles College is already making waves with a remarkable economic impact of nearly $70 million, according to the 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report by the United Negro College Fund. The acquisition will provide an excellent opportunity for Miles to broaden its academic programs and engage more deeply with nearby communities.
Bobbie Knight, President of Miles College, shared her enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “It is clear that institutions like Miles College continue to serve as powerful engines of economic growth and opportunity. For generations, Miles College has been a cornerstone of progress in our community. This opportunity is a significant next step in our vision to lift our college, campus, and community.”
On the other side, Birmingham-Southern President Daniel B. Coleman expressed his hope that Miles College would be a fitting new steward for the campus. “We are very pleased to take this next step with Miles College. We have hoped to find a buyer whose mission paralleled BSC’s mission of educating young people for lives of service and significance, and whose presence on the Hilltop would also benefit the surrounding communities who have been such good neighbors to BSC for more than 100 years.”
Although BSC had a storied history, its operational challenges led to this moment. After struggling to secure a $30 million state loan, the college made the tough decision to halt normal operations. While the sale focuses on the physical campus, BSC will continue to exist as a corporate entity and will work closely with the Alabama Attorney General’s office to manage its endowment, a process that may take considerable time.
While the future of Birmingham-Southern College was uncertain, earlier this year, Alabama A&M attempted to purchase the campus but is now officially out of the running. Documents obtained by AL.com reveal that Alabama A&M’s cash offer was “considerably lower” than the top bid, leaving Miles College’s proposal as the leading option.
Miles College was the first HBCU to express interest, submitting a letter of intent to negotiate the purchase before Alabama A&M made its bid the following day. The exact amount of Miles College’s offer remains undisclosed, but their early initiative set the stage for this significant acquisition.
The acquisition opens up exciting new avenues for academic growth and innovation at Miles College. Recently, they secured a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to collaborate with other HBCUs, like Howard University and Tennessee State University. This funding will enhance Miles College’s academic offerings and foster a vibrant learning environment.
Additionally, the college has launched the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth, designed to support local and national entrepreneurs. With the new resources from the BSC campus, Miles is poised to expand its research initiatives and strengthen partnerships on both local and global levels.
Knight outlined an ambitious vision for what lies ahead, “We are carefully and thoughtfully constructing and curating our next chapter to provide tools and resources for our students to have the highest possible opportunity to succeed. While at the same time, we are positioning our professors and stakeholders to drive research and innovation that will lead to transformative products and services.”
This partnership between Miles College and Birmingham-Southern represents a significant moment in Alabama’s educational scene. By blending their strengths, these two institutions can foster an environment ripe for academic excellence and community development. With deep roots in civil rights and social justice, Miles College continues to lead the way for future generations of leaders.
While specifics about the purchase remain private, this acquisition is more than just an expansion; it’s a bold leap forward in Miles College’s ongoing mission to shape the future of education in Alabama and beyond.
