Former names | Alabama Luther College Alabama Lutheran Academy and College |
|---|---|
| Type | Privatehistorically black college |
| Active | 1922–2018 |
Parent institution | Concordia University System |
Religious affiliation | Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod |
| Location | , U.S. |
| Campus | 57 acres (23 ha) |
| Colors | Green Yellow |
| Nickname | Hornets |
 | |
| Bakke Hall and the Dormitory | |
|---|---|
  Location of Bakke Hall and the Dormitory in Alabama | |
| Location | Selma, Alabama |
| Coordinates | 32°25′34″N87°01′05″W / 32.426°N 87.018°W /32.426; -87.018 |
| Built | 1925 |
| Governing body | Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod |
| Official name | Bakke Hall and the Dormitory |
| Designated | June 19, 1997[1] |
Concordia College Alabama was aprivate,historically black college associated with theLutheran Church–Missouri Synod and located inSelma, Alabama. It was the only historically black college among the 10 colleges and universities in theConcordia University System. The college ceased operations at the end of the spring 2018 semester, citing years of financial distress and declining enrollment.[2][3]
In 1919, African-American Lutheran congregations in Alabama petitioned theEvangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America for funds to open a high school and college to train church workers. The school opened in 1922 in a rented cottage, and the Synodical Conference soon purchased 13 acres (5.3 ha) in northeastSelma, Alabama, as the site of the Alabama Luther College.[4] A recitation hall (now named Bakke Hall) and a dormitory were erected at a cost of $36,000 and opened in 1925.[5]
The college was forced to close during theGreat Depression and the remaining high school was renamed the Alabama Lutheran Academy. Eventually the college was reopened, resulting in the name Alabama Lutheran Academy and College. In 1981, the name was changed to Concordia College Alabama, and in 1994, it gained accreditation from theSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools as a bachelor's degree-granting institution.[4]
In February 2018, the college announced that it would close at the conclusion of its academic year due to enduring financial problems.[6] The 147 members of the final graduating class received their diplomas on April 28, 2018.[3]
On January 3, 2019, Paul J. Kim, a Korean minister, signed paperwork to purchase the campus. He plans to open a "mission retreat center", similar toYoido Full Gospel Church's Prayer Mountain Korea. He also intends to establish a "contemporary music university" over the next two years.[7]
Concordia College's Bakke Hall and the Dormitory, completed in 1928, were both added to theAlabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on June 19, 1997.[1]
In 2010, Concordia increased the size of its campus from 22 acres (8.9 ha) to 57 acres (23 ha) by acquiring the grounds and buildings of the adjacent United Methodist Children's Home.[4]
The college had 445 students during the fall 2017 term.[8]
At the time of the school's closing, Concordia–Selma athletic teams were called the Hornets. The college was a member of theUnited States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), primarily competing as an Independent.
Concordia–Selma competed in seven intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports included baseball, basketball, and soccer; while women's sports included basketball, softball, track & field, and volleyball.
The college fielded a football team from 2005 until it was cancelled at the end of the 2015 season due to costs.[9]
Concordia CollegeArmy ROTC, a satellite program ofMarion Military Institute, featured more than 25 cadets.
