Miles College and Birmingham-Southern College have signed an agreement to purchase BSC’s 192-acre campus. BSC ceased normal operations on May 31, 2024 due to financial debt. The purchase price for the campus was not available as of press time.
Miles is an Historically Black College founded in 1898 and based in Fairfield that generates nearly $70 million to total economic impact for its local and regional economies, according to a 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report from the United Negro College Fund.
“For generations, Miles College has been a cornerstone of progress in our community,” said Miles President Bobbie Knight. “This opportunity is a significant next step in our vision to lift our college, campus and community.”
Miles is strengthening its research and innovation development. The National Science Foundation recently announced that Miles will lead a $3 million collaborative grant with Howard University, Tennessee State University, Morgan State University and Winston Salem University. Miles also launched the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth earlier this week with local and national entrepreneurs and corporate partners.
“The purchase agreement is for the physical property — acreage and buildings — but not the college itself,” said BSC President Daniel Coleman. “BSC will continue to operate as a corporate entity through the remainder of the wind-down, which includes wrapping up a range of business matters.”
Knight added, “We are carefully and thoughtfully constructing and curating our next chapter to provide tools and resources for our students to have the highest possible opportunity to succeed. While at the same time, we are positioning our professors and stakeholders to drive research and innovation that will lead to transformative products and services. We have secured partners to join us in creating a consortium for Centers for Excellence and we are pursuing partnerships including with the city of Birmingham to frame the best possible outcomes for all involved.”
Once the sale is complete, BSC will work with the Attorney General’s office to develop a proposed plan for the college endowment and will then seek court approval of that plan as is required by state law. “We expect that process to take many months or even years to complete, and we will communicate with our endowment contacts once we know more,” said Coleman.
