The University of Montevallo is a public liberal‑arts university located in Montevallo, Alabama, United States. It operates as part of the University of Alabama System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
History
- Founded in 1896 as the Alabama Girls' Technical Institute, a women’s industrial school.
- Renamed the Alabama Girls' College in 1919, then State Teachers College in 1923.
- Became a coeducational institution in 1956, adopting the name University of Montevallo in 1969.
Campus
- The main campus occupies approximately 200 acres on the western edge of the town of Montevallo.
- Notable facilities include the Lyell C. Riggs Memorial Library, the Montevallo Performing Arts Center, and the historic Cherry Blossom Garden.
Academics
- Offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 30 majors, primarily in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies.
- Graduate programs include a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and several master’s degrees in education and business.
- Emphasizes undergraduate research, study‑abroad opportunities, and community engagement.
Enrollment and Demographics (as of the most recent publicly reported data, 2023)
- Total undergraduate enrollment: approximately 3,600 students.
- Student‑to‑faculty ratio: about 15:1.
- Demographic composition reflects a mix of in‑state, out‑of‑state, and international students.
Governance
- Governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Alabama and the Alabama Legislature.
- The university president serves as chief executive officer and reports to the Board.
Athletics
- Competes in NCAA Division II as a member of the Gulf South Conference.
- Sports programs include men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, tennis, and cross‑country, among others.
Notable Alumni
- Wanda S. Sutherland – former dean of the College of Education at the University of Alabama.
- Leah R. Keller – Pulitzer Prize‑winning journalist.
- James G. Thompson – former Alabama state legislator.
Community Role
- Provides cultural events, continuing‑education courses, and outreach programs for the surrounding region.
- Partners with local schools and organizations to promote arts, STEM education, and economic development.
References
- University of Montevallo official website (www.montevallo.edu)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation listings
- Alabama State University System documentation.
