I
believe in my country, because it is a land of freedom and because
it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by doing
justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God. -from the Auburn Creed
HISTORY
Auburn is one of the largest universities in the South,
remaining at the educational forefront with our emphasis on a blend
of arts and applied sciences. The University continuously changes
to accommodate today's needs, while still respecting the traditions
and spirit of Auburn. As we grow and change, Auburn will always
continue its tradition of excellence.
Auburn University was established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male
College, 20 years after the city of Auburn's founding. After December
of 1859, it was maintained by the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
The citizens of Auburn, the college faculty and the Methodist Church
were all advocates of the new college. In 1859, Auburn's patrons
erected and equipped a four-story building at the cost of $1,100
and opened its doors on October 1 to 80 students, six faculty members
and a preparatory enrollment of 100. Five students were graduated
after the first year.
The Reverend William J. Sasnett was the first president of the
institution. Closed by the Civil War in 1861, the economically troubled
institution reopened in 1866 with Dr. James Ferguson Dowdell, a
Methodist minister and former Alabama congressman as president,
and struggled for the next six years.
In 1872, the institution's economic problems were resolved when,
under the Morrill Act, Auburn became the first land-grant college
in the South and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College
of Alabama. Dr. Issac Taylor Tichenor, a former Confederate chaplain
and noted Baptist minister, was the first president of the newly
reorganized college. During the next several years, the school experienced
changes that are still prevalent on campus. Fraternities were formed
in 1878 under Dr. William Leroy Broun, and became officially recognized
by the school in 1883. In 1892, Auburn admitted its first women
and organized its first football team. The organization that was
to become the Auburn Alumni Association was formed soon after, in
1893. 1899 the name again was changed, to the Alabama Polytechnic
Institute.
Dr. Broun, educated in the classics and sciences, believed that
both disciplines were important in education, and geared Auburn
toward becoming a "well-rounded" university. Auburn's
official title was changed to Alabama Polytechnic Institute largely
because of Dr. Broun's beliefs in placing a scientific emphasis
on the liberal arts tradition. Expansion continued, and in 1960
the name of the school was changed to Auburn University, a title
more in keeping with its location, and expressing the varied academic
programs and larger curriculum of a major university.
The main campus had an enrollment during fall of 2007 of 24,137.
Auburn University offers degrees in 13 schools and colleges at the
undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.
Auburn University has developed into one of the largest universities
in the South, remaining in the educational forefront with its traditional
blend of arts and applied science, and changing with the needs of
today while living with a respect for the traditions and spirit
that are Auburn.
Auburn University at Montgomery was established as a separately
administered branch campus in 1967. The institution has developed
rapidly, especially since moving to a 500-acre campus east of Montgomery
in 1971. Current enrollment at AUM is about 5,000.
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