Montgomery colleges support Birmingham-Southern students who need to transfer amid closure

Hadley Hitson, Montgomery Advertiser
·4 min read

On March 27, Birmingham-Southern College made an announcement that was a long time coming: The college would close permanently in May after 168 years.

While roughly 320 current seniors will be able to graduate with their degrees, another approximate 960 underclassmen are left to find another alma mater. Several schools in Montgomery are opening up their doors and encouraging BSC students to transfer there.

Faulkner University scholarships

On April 3, Faulkner University joined the chorus of colleges across the state — including Auburn and Alabama — offering well-wishes and transfer support to Birmingham-Southern students.

"Faulkner University and its leadership want to extend most sincere condolences toward the students, faculty and staff of Birmingham-Southern College after hearing the news of the campus’ sudden closure," a statement said. "BSC alumni and students, the greater Birmingham area and the state of Alabama will feel the loss keenly as we have lost a historic treasure."

Birmingham-Southern College faced financial struggles that officials say brought the school to the point of closure.
Birmingham-Southern College faced financial struggles that officials say brought the school to the point of closure.

Faulkner Vice President for Enrollment Management Mark Hunt said he has been in contact with BSC officials since the announcement, and to him, it's clear that they want to help their students' transfers run smoothly.

"Any time a college or university has to close it's a sad day for higher education, but it does create an opportunity for others to assist students who are looking for a place to transfer, enjoy a fulfilling college experience, and complete their degree," Hunt said. "Our transfer scholarship offers were designed to be generous to BSC students while bearing in mind the significant challenges they're currently facing. We'd love to attract many of these students to Faulkner."

The campus is already bracing itself for growth with its spring 2024 enrollment up over 8% from 2023, and Hunt said Faulkner plans to accommodate any BSC students who want to enroll.

Transfers with a cumulative GPS of 3.0 or above will automatically receive $12,000 in scholarship money; those with a cumulative GPA of 2.0-2.99 will receive a scholarship for $10,000. If transfer students audition and make the band or chorus, they will receive an automatic $16,000 scholarship.

AUM's support

Auburn University at Montgomery was the first school in the area to offer condolences and support for the BSC community, just a day after the school announced its closure.

AUM is one of several Montgomery schools offering support to BSC students amid their school's closure.
AUM is one of several Montgomery schools offering support to BSC students amid their school's closure.

"Auburn University at Montgomery extends its deepest sympathies to the Birmingham-Southern College students, faculty, staff and alumni who will be affected by the impending closure of the institution after 168 impactful years," a statement said. "BSC students who are seeking new campus homes for the continuation of their studies will find a welcoming and supportive community at AUM."

BSC transfers may be eligible for up to $4,000 of scholarship money per year. The university will also hold a Transfer Preview Day on April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where prospective transfers can tour the school, meet current students and learn more about housing and work-study options. Those interested in attending should register online through AUM's website.

Alabama State University options

Alabama State University released a public statement regarding BSC's closure, a little later than other schools. On April 9, the university sent a statement about how officials are reaching out to all current BSC students.

"Our university and its Board of Trustees is greatly concerned about the hundreds of students at Birmingham-Southern College who will soon be without a school to attend and we are saddened that many of its students are in a quandary on how and where to complete their college educations. We are looking at many ways to assist them, which includes an expedited transfer process," ASU President Quinton Ross said in a statement. "I have instructed our Office of Academic Affairs and our Admissions Office to work closely with all of Birmingham-Southern's students who are in need of a way to complete their education."

Depending on academic standings and policies by the admissions department, financial aid packages may be available.

Those interested may contact ASU's admissions office at (334-229-4560) or email director Freddie Williams Jr. at fwilliams@alasu.edu.

Hadley Hitson covers children's health, education and welfare for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to the Advertiser.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery schools offer support for Birmingham-Southern transfers