Stillman College is a historically black liberal arts college founded in 1876, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Academics and demographics:
The 105-acre (0.42 km) college campus offers programs of study leading to the bachelor's degree. The school is accredited by SACS (The Southern Association for Colleges and Schools). The Division of Arts and Sciences offers degrees in Studio Art, Biology, English, History, Mathematics, Music, Psychology, Religion and Theology, and Nursing. The Division of Professional Education offers degrees in Business with concentration in (Administration, Accounting and Management), Elementary Education, and Health and Physical Education. Stillman also offers programs in Pre-Law and Pre-Med. History:
Stillman College, authorized by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1875, held its first classes in 1876 and was chartered as a legal corporation by the State of Alabama in 1895. At that time, the name was changed from Tuscaloosa Institute to Stillman Institute. The institute was a concept initiated by the Reverend Dr. Charles Allen Stillman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa "for the training of colored men for the ministry". The mandate for the Institution expanded over the years and it acquired its present campus tract of over 100 acres (0.40 km). A junior and senior high school was organized and the Institute established a junior college program, which was accredited in 1937. In addition, between 1930 and 1946, it operated a hospital and nurse training school. Under the administration of Dr. Samuel Burney Hay (1948–1965), the school sought to expand into a senior liberal arts institution and in 1948 the name was officially changed to Stillman College. The following year, Stillman expanded into a four-year college and graduated its first baccalaureate class in 1951. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredited Stillman College in 1953. Under Dr. Hay, seven new buildings were constructed: a gymnasium, a library, an administration-classroom building, two women’s residence halls, a prayer chapel, and a student center. Stinson (1967–1980) was the first African American to assume the presidency. Under his dynamic leadership, new programs designed to improve educational quality were instituted, and the physical plant was expanded with the addition of two men’s residence halls, faculty apartments, a maintenance building, and a mathematics-science center. Snedecor Hall, Batchelor Building, and Birthright Auditorium were renovated. Rizzi (1974–1978) was the 1st non-black Graduate of Stillman College in 1978. Recruited out of Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, West Virginia by Samuel Merriweather, she was also the 1st non-black Cheerleader; the 1st non-black Associate Editor of the Campus newspaper, "The Tiger's Paw;" and one of original Founders of the Stillman College Dance Team (CADA) under the direction of Dr. Betty Smith. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Under the leadership of the College’s fourth president, Dr. Cordell Wynn (1982–1997), the appearance of the campus improved dramatically; Winsborough and John Knox Halls were renovated; and the Marie Lundy Wynn Hall and Johnson/Robinson Student Health Center were erected. The enrollment grew beyond 1,000 students; the endowment increased significantly; and the educational program was broadened to include the Stillman Management Institute and a community-service component. On July 1, 1997, Dr. Ernest McNealey (1997-2013) was named the fifth president. Since then, Stillman has garnered national attention in the areas of technology, athletics and scholarly pursuits. One of the leaders in wireless computing, the College received the National Innovation in Technology Award by Apple Computers and continues to be on the cusp of technological innovations in higher education. The College’s football program and marching band were revitalized and the College experienced its largest enrollment in the history of the institution. Dr. McNealey infused new life into the academic component by strengthening the curriculum, and attracting a highly qualified faculty (84% hold terminal degrees), improving admissions standards, and enhancing the value of a Stillman education with the addition of guaranteed outcome programs. Notwithstanding, in 2004 the College received its first-ever ranking among top tier schools in U.S. News & World Report and continues to hold this distinction. The McNealey administration has transformed the campus in order to create a sense of place. A stately, iron and brick fence and formal entrances were constructed and all campus buildings were renovated. Additionally, four new structures were erected (School of Education building, Wynn Fine Arts Center, Roulhac Residence Hall, and the stadium with accompanying playing fields, buildings, and a NCAA regulation track). This sense of place is further manifested in the current construction of the Thomas E. Lyle Band Center and NCAA regulation tennis complex. With a focused vision, Stillman celebrates its past as it advances confidently into the future, embracing excellence for the common good. On June 26, 2014 at a press conference in Birthright Alumni Hall, Stillman Board of Trustees named interim president Dr. Peter E. Millet the sixth president of the school. He has been the president since Dr. McNealy resigned in September of 2013. On March 13th, 2015, the Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Peter E. On August 2014 Stillman was awarded a donation of 2 Million dollars by an unknown donor to help with the long term stability of the college. On September 16, 2014 Stillman launched its Million by Million campaign with a commitment to community service. The Million by Million Campaign focuses on four core areas including Health Initiatives, Student Engagement, Community Partnerships and Alumni Involvement with points allocated for all contributions toward the initial commitment. The strategic earning was designed to highlight Stillman’s rich tradition of giving back to the community being instilled in its current student body and reinforced with its alumni. On Saturday, October 25, 2014. Stillman hosted its inaugural 5K Run/Walk which promotes its moto. "Walking With The Tigers For A Healthier Community." Personal trainer Joshua Reid of Operation Driven hosted the run/walk. Starting January 1, 2015, Stillman will become a smoke-free campus in an effort to keep with its theme of promoting a healthier lifestyle. Athletics:
The college's intercollegiate athletic teams, the Tigers and Lady Tigers, compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Men's Basketball (2006 SIAC Champions), Women's Basketball, Baseball (2007-2008 SIAC Champions) (2007 Division II National Champions), Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Football. In the 2009-10 season, 1 year removed from taking over a 1-27 team, head coach Michael Grant led the men's basketball team to the school's first ever appearance in the National Top 25 rankings.
