Auburn University: A Historical Overview and Cookie Acknowledgement

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About Auburn University

Auburn University is a distinguished institution, recognized as a comprehensive land, sea, and space grant university. Spanning over 1,840 acres, it serves nearly 25,000 students, fulfilling their academic and personal aspirations.

A Brief History

The university’s journey began in 1856 as the modest East Alabama Male College, which opened its doors in 1859 as a private liberal arts college. The Civil War forced the college to close between 1861 and 1866. During this time, it had developed ties with the Methodist Church. However, due to financial difficulties, control of the college was handed over to the state in 1872, marking a significant transition as it became the first land-grant college in the South independent of the state university, rebranding itself as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama.

Understanding Land-Grant Institutions

Land-grant colleges and universities are designated by state legislatures or Congress to receive benefits from the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. The primary mission of these institutions is to provide education in agriculture, military tactics, mechanical arts, and classical studies, aiming to offer a practical and liberal education to the working class.

Milestones in Coeducation

Auburn made history in 1892 by admitting women, establishing itself as the oldest four-year coeducational institution in Alabama and the second oldest in the Southeast. The name of the college changed again in 1899 to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, and in 1960 it officially became Auburn University, a name that better reflected its mission, size, and location. The university has experienced significant growth since World War II, boasting over 315,000 alumni today.

Auburn University at Montgomery

The establishment of Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) in 1967 marked a pivotal expansion. AUM has grown significantly, especially after relocating to a larger 500-acre campus east of Montgomery in 1971, currently serving an enrollment of around 5,200 students.

Evolution of Names

Over the years, Auburn University has undergone several name changes:

• East Alabama Male College (1856-1872)
• Agricultural and Mechanical College (1872-1899)
• Alabama Polytechnic Institute (1899-1960)
• Auburn University (1960-present)

Colleges and Schools at Auburn

Auburn University houses a variety of colleges and schools, each contributing to its diverse academic offerings:

• College of Agriculture (founded in 1872)
• Samuel Ginn College of Engineering (founded in 1872)
• Graduate School (founded in 1872)
• James Harrison School of Pharmacy (founded in 1885)
• College of Veterinary Medicine (founded in 1907)
• College of Architecture, Design & Construction (founded in 1907)
• College of Education (founded in 1915)
• College of Human Sciences (founded in 1916)
• College of Business (founded in 1967)
• School of Nursing (founded in 1979)
• School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences (founded in 1984)
• College of Sciences and Mathematics (founded in 1986)
• College of Liberal Arts (founded in 1986)

In 1986, the colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences & Mathematics were established from the former schools of Arts & Sciences, Agriculture and Biological Sciences, and Architecture and Fine Arts, reflecting the university’s commitment to broadening its academic scope.