BREAKING NEWS: Miles College acquires 76-acre campus of Birmingham-Southern College

After four months of vacancy, the former Birmingham-Southern College will soon have a new owner: Miles College from the Magic City.

The Board of Directors of both institutions voted unanimously to enter into a purchase agreement after Miles College submitted a letter of intent shortly after the 168-year-old Birmingham-Southern College closed on May 31, 2024.

Miles College takes next step to acquire Birmingham-Southern College campus

Earlier this year, Birmingham-Southern College closed its doors for good after failing to secure the support needed to keep the 168-year-old liberal arts college afloat.

Since the college closed on May 31, 2024, the future of its 192-hectare campus in northwest Birmingham has been uncertain.

Two Alabama HBCUs – Alabama A&M and Miles College – expressed interest in purchasing the property. However, Alabama A&M withdrew its offer in July, opting to focus on its main campus in Huntsville.

Now Miles College and Birmingham-Southern College have signed a purchase agreement to transfer ownership of the campus.

“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 elevate our college, campus and community.”

Bobbie Knight, President, Miles College

Founded in 1898, Miles College is a private HBCU located in the city of Fairfield – just a 10-minute drive from the Birmingham-Southern College campus.

Birmingham-Southern College President Daniel Coleman is pleased to take the next step toward finalizing the agreement with Miles College.

“We were hoping to find a buyer whose mission aligns with BSC’s mission to prepare young people for lives of community service and meaningful living, and whose presence at the Hilltop would also benefit the surrounding communities that have been such good neighbors to BSC for over 100 years.

With its roots in the Methodist tradition of service and its commitment to preparing young people for lives of leadership, Miles College fits that description. We will continue to work diligently with President Bobbie Knight and her team to ensure a smooth process through to the closing of the sale.”

Daniel Coleman, President, Birmingham-Southern College

Want to learn more about the history of Birmingham-Southern College and its fight to stay alive? Read these previous Bham Now articles.

What this means for Miles College

By acquiring Birmingham-Southern College’s 76-acre campus, Miles College’s academic programs, research and innovation can thrive in a collaborative environment with local and global partners:

• The National Science Foundation recently selected Miles College to lead a $3 million joint grant with Howard University, Tennessee State University, Morgan State University and Winston Salem University.
• Miles College recently launched the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth with two groups of local and national entrepreneurs and corporate partners.

“We are carefully and thoughtfully planning and curating our next chapter to provide our students with tools and resources that will give them the greatest opportunity for success, while positioning our professors and stakeholders to drive research and innovation that will lead to transformative products and services.

We have attracted partners who would like to form a consortium of centres of excellence with us and we are looking to develop partnerships, including with the City of Birmingham, to achieve the best possible outcomes for all involved.”

Bobbie Knight, President, Miles College

While Miles College acquires the property, Birmingham-Southern College will remain as a legal entity until the closing process is complete.

According to the Miles College press release, the purchase could take several months or even years to complete. Stay tuned to Bham Now for the latest updates on this developing story.

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