The South's Best Colleges

South’s

B - M E T R O ’ S A N N U A L L O O K AT

Best Colleges THE

The University of Alabama The University of Alabama at Birmingham Auburn University Auburn University at Montgomery Birmingham-Southern College Miles College The University of Montevallo The W: Mississippi University for Women Mississippi College

B-METRO.COM

73

special promotional section

The South’s BEST Colleges

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA Since our founding in 1831, UA has educated more students from our state than any other college or university in the world. Students like Marillyn Hewson from Tuscaloosa, now CEO/COB/President of Lockheed Martin and Sonequa Martin-Green from Russellville who landed the lead role in Star Trek: Discovery. Students like Peyton Strickland from Pelham, who in 2019 was named a Goldwater Scholar and one of the Top 20 STEM students in the world.

Recently designated one of the top doctoral research universities in the United States by the Carnegie Foundation, UA is leading the way in the development of new ideas and transformative technologies to further the understanding of our world and improve the lives of the people in it. Since day one, we have produced legends in every field, across

every industry, throughout generations. We were the first to establish public higher education in Alabama, and we continue to define it.

You already have what it takes to be successful, and at UA, we can provide the opportunities and resources to turn your ambitious dreams into your greatest achievements. Topranked academic programs. Cutting edge facilities. Worldclass faculty. Robust student life. These are only a few of the elements that propel our students to reach their highest potential and make a lasting impact on the world around them.

UA is the place where you can become what you aspire to be. If you are ready for the challenge, prepare to make your mark.

Find out how you can become a legend at instate.ua.edu/bhmguide.

You can also visit ua.edu/legends to read about more legends from The University of Alabama.

74

B-METRO.COM

ALABAMA BORN AND BRED

University of Alabama legends are making their mark all over the globe. These UA legends were raised in Alabama and have brought national and international recognition to our University and our state.

Nan Boden

Bruce Culpepper

Rece Davis

Head of Global Tech Partners, Google

Retired president, Shell Oil

Television host, ESPN

ATHENS, AL

FYFFE, AL

MUSCLE SHOALS, AL

Samuel A. DiPiazza Jr. Chairman, Mayo Clinic Retired CEO, PwC BIRMINGHAM, AL

Millard Fuller

Joe Gibbs

Marillyn Hewson

Vicki Hollub

Founder, Habitat for Humanity

Co-founder, Golf Channel

CEO, Occidental Petroleum

LANETT, AL

ONEONTA, AL

Chairman, President and CEO, Lockheed Martin

BESSEMER, AL

TUSCALOOSA, AL

Harper Lee

Michael Luwoye

Sonequa Martin-Green

Author, Pulitzer Prize winner

Actor

Actor

Professional golfer/businessman

BIRMINGHAM, AL

HUNTSVILLE, AL

RUSSELLVILLE, AL

ANNISTON, AL

Jerry Pate

Thom Rainer

Marie Robinson

Jimmy Wales

E.O. Wilson

Retired president, LifeWay Christian Resources

Senior VP and COO, Michael Kors

Co-founder, Wikipedia

Biologist, Pulitzer Prize winner

GADSDEN, AL

HUNTSVILLE, AL

BIRMINGHAM, AL

UNION SPRINGS, AL

UA .EDU/LEGENDS

#W H E R E L E G E N D S A R E M A D E

special promotional section

The South’s BEST Colleges

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM The will to do more leads to amazing things. And at UAB that will drives everything we do, from research to innovation to entrepreneurship. To change the world, we must first challenge it. Students will find no better place to do that than in Birmingham – where the city becomes the classroom. Where you can discover a new point of view or land a life-changing internship. Where you can be part of the next big idea.

Research When it comes to research, it’s no secret we do it really, really well. And while we are known for science and medicine, we offer plenty of exciting opportunities. From anthropology to engineering, there’s something for you, too.

Innovation Explore without limits and take part in groundbreaking innovations.

Whether you want to find a cure for a serious disease or create new technology, we’re always one step ahead and ready to support students with an innovative spirit.

Entrepreneurship You have big ideas, and we want to help you make them a reality. Our partnerships with community incubators and specialized student programs will help you navigate the world of start-ups.

Diversity We want to celebrate your individuality, fresh perspective, and unique experiences. UAB is a melting pot of cultures and communities where you can embrace your traditions and start new ones.

UAB POINTS OF PRIDE #1 Alabama University – 2017 Best Global Universities, U.S. News and World Report #1 Young University in the U.S. 2nd Consecutive Year – Times Higher Education 2019 7,000 undergraduate students contributed to UAB research in 2017 60 start-ups have been launched in the Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship $7+ billion annual economic impact 20,000+ enrolled students

At UAB, we will empower you to make an impact. Our opportunities and resources will help you turn your passion into your mission — and give your ideas the power to change the world.

To schedule a campus visit or learn more about admission to UAB, visit uab.edu/chooseuab.

76

B-METRO.COM

B-METRO.COM

77

special promotional section

The South’s BEST Colleges

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

The Place Where Tigers Can Fly Auburn University is a place where dreams become reality through hard work, mentor professors and a supportive community. Students are inspired to reach higher, go further and soar to become the next generation to lead in their workplace and communities.

A Top Value Students feel at home here, nurtured by the Auburn Family, and develop an unparalleled sense of belonging, while being challenged by Auburn’s strong academics. Auburn has been consistently ranked among the best public universities, listed by Forbes as one of America’s Top Colleges, ranking in the top 30 percent nationally and recognized as the top public university in Alabama. Because we are also one of Kiplinger’s “100 Best Values in Public Colleges,” that means we also deliver the best for less.

Hands-On Experience In and Out of the Classroom Through internships, coop programs, study abroad and experiential learning, students harness the work ethic, character, leadership and interpersonal skills necessary to work in diverse settings.

These skills provide graduates with the tools to be successful in a global society, prepared for interviews and able to work in team-based environments.

Auburn offers students research experience, applying classroom concepts and knowledge to find solutions to better the world.

For some it helps to make the decision of what to do after graduation easier. “Performing undergraduate research was the most valuable experience I have had,” said David Teitge, ‘19 mechanical engineering. “It really emphasized my decision to go on and earn my graduate degree.”

Students are able to gain real-world, practical experience,

and often afforded future career opportunities through the support of Auburn alumni. “As an Auburn student, I’ve been able to access the alumni network, which has proven very fruitful because I received an internship offer from an Auburn alumnus,” said Jack Stewart, senior in finance and supply chain management.

Notable Alumni Accomplished alumni include the CEO of Apple, the founders of Habitat for Humanity and Wikipedia, an Oscar-winning actress, countless sports legends, and six astronauts.

Auburn’s alumni are sought after and regularly hired by multinational corporations, and accepted into prestigious professional programs and graduate schools. In fact, 97 percent of recent graduates feel their Auburn education has enhanced their opportunity for advancement.

Welcome to the Family As part of the Auburn Family, students make friends for a lifetime, and forge connections with a worldwide network of alumni.

Auburn fosters an unparalleled academic experience, one that cultivates and transforms students into leaders.

From hands-on learning to obtaining relevant and practical experience within industry, Auburn University has the tools and resources to ensure a student’s resume is comprehensive and impressive to any employer or graduate school upon graduation.

Plan a visit to campus to learn how you can find your way to success. Schedule a tour at auburn.edu/visit.

To learn more about Auburn University, visit auburn.edu or call 334-844-6425.

78

B-METRO.COM

Land Here, Take Off

If there ever was a place where tigers could fly, this is it.

Auburn University is where dreams become reality and interests grow into fulfilling career opportunities.

We are the top-ranked public university in Alabama.

Discover how you will feel right at home as a member of the Auburn Family. War Eagle! auburn.edu/admissions

special promotional section

The South’s BEST Colleges

AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY Find Your Passion Here Across Auburn University at Montgomery’s 90+ undergraduate and graduate degrees, you’ll gain detailed knowledge and hands-on, practical experience — often from professionals in the field. You’ll also find pathways to new and exciting careers and advancement through AUM’s unique programs. You’ll find your passion at AUM: From innovations such as Alabama’s one-of-a-kind Virtual Avatar Lab for a cutting-edge learning experience to original research like The Logan Project’s NSF-funded work toward accessible STEM learning and careers for students with disabilities.

You’ll learn and build strong professional and social connections in AUM’s collegiate environment. In addition to the University Honors Program, AUM offers 8 honor societies. Living and Learning Communities allow students with similar academic interests to build support groups for long-term academic and personal development. Students can choose from more than 60 student clubs and organizations, including Greek Life, academic and special interest clubs,

intramural sports, and Study Abroad.

AUM believes quality education should be affordable.

In addition to traditional freshman scholarships, AUM also offers Opportunity Scholarships, Military & Dependent Scholarships, and, new for 2019-20, First Responder Scholarships for Fire/EMS, Police and Corrections personnel.

We’ve got spirit, too! The AUM Warhawks hold more than 25 national championships across the university’s 11 sports. AUM is a full member of the NCAA Division 2 Gulf South Conference.

Ranked among the South’s top universities by U.S. News and World Report and recognized as one of the best colleges in the Southeast by The Princeton Review, AUM is also recognized among the Best Online Colleges in Alabama, is a designated Military Friendly School, and is consistently chosen as the best university in the area. Learn how AUM is providing more opportunities to access a world-class education at aum. edu/opportunity.

To find out more about Auburn University at Montgomery, visit aum.edu or call (334) 244-3615.

80

B-METRO.COM

WELCOME HOME

FIND YOUR PASSION WITH Opportunity Scholarships starting at 18+ ACT | 2.5 GPA

aum.edu/Opportunity

Ranked Among the Best in the South by U.S. News & World Report TOP RANKED UNIVERSITY. SCHOLARSHIPS WAITING. Scholarship

ACT/SAT

GPA

Amount Per Semester

Annual Total

Total 4 Year Amount

Opportunity Scholarship Recognition Scholarship Achievement Scholarship Warhawk Scholarship Counselor Scholarship Vice Principal Scholarship Principal Scholarship Outstanding Scholars Award

18/940 20/1020 23/1130 25/1200 27/1280 28/1310 29/1350 30/1400

2.5 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0

$500 $750 $1,500 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000 $5,000

$1,000 $1,500 $3,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 $8,000 $10,000

$4,000 $6,000 $12,000 $20,000 $24,000 $28,000 $32,000 $40,000

P.O. Box 244023 Montgomery, AL 36124-4023 admissions@aum.edu | aum.edu 334-244-3000 • 1-800-227-2649

special promotional section

The South’s BEST Colleges

During Exploration Term 2019, BSC students traveled to Makuno, Uganda to teach at the Buiga Sunrise School, experiencing cultural immersion and hands-on professional experience.

BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE What would you do in a world of opportunities? At Birmingham-Southern College, we focus on your future by offering you hands-on experiences now. A BSC education prepares you to pursue your passion and reach your full potential – no matter what field you choose. Our January term gives you four weeks to take a deep-dive into one topic – in a campus classroom or on the other side of the globe – and our top-notch academic programs give you the skills to succeed on the Hilltop and beyond.

At BSC: You’ll engage with the world and discover your purpose.

You’ll find your own path, while developing the tools employers want, such as teamwork, critical thinking, data analysis, and the ability to connect ideas.

You’ll take what you learn beyond the classroom – by

participating in internships, conducting research with a professor, engaging in one-on-one mentorship, performing service projects, or traveling abroad for an academic adventure.

You’ll experience learning in a new way with a great return on investment. Small class sizes – our student-faculty ratio is 12:1 – and teaching-focused faculty ensure you’ll be challenged to do your very best. For a price that aligns with public universities, you’ll receive a personalized education, leadership opportunities, experiences that show you the world, and a fast track to graduate in four years.

With more than 50 areas of study, and by making the most of your time on the Hilltop, you will find countless routes to your future. Come see why BSC is among just 40 schools featured in “Colleges That Change Lives,” calling it “what college ought to be.”

Learn more about BSC at www.bsc.edu or call the Office of Admission at (205) 226-4696.

82

B-METRO.COM

75% of recent seniors

CONDUCTED INTERNSHIPS

250+

COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS LEADERS MENTOR STUDENTS

88% of students engage in

COMMUNITY

SERVICE

9

tuition exchange

PARTNERS WORLDWIDE

TOP 10 colleges that lead to

GRADUATE

SCHOOL

YOU'LL FIND MORE THAN A COLLEGE ON

the hilltop YOU’LL FIND A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY.

BSC

4

WEEKS OF EXPLORATION

TERM 2019

One of the

Birmingham-Southern College

bsc.edu

TOP

20 BEST VALUE schools in the U.S.

special promotional section

The South’s BEST Colleges

THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO FOUNDED IN 1896, the University of Montevallo is nestled in the heart of Alabama, approximately 35 miles south of Birmingham.

Designed by the architects behind New York’s Central Park and the grounds surrounding North Carolina’s Biltmore House, our campus serves as a picturesque backdrop to match the University’s world-class educational offerings: white columns, expansive lawns, brick walkways and stately oaks. The campus’ beauty has earned widespread acclaim, and Thrillist.com has named the University of Montevallo one of the “Most Beautiful Public College Campuses in America.”

As the only small, public, liberal arts university in Alabama, the University of Montevallo has the charm of a private school experience but provides the value of a state-supported institution.

Montevallo’s list of national accolades grows each year.

At UM, we don’t merely inspire – we teach our students how to harness inspiration, become versatile and give back.

Montevallo offers academic programs in four colleges: Arts and

Sciences, Business, Education & Human Development and Fine Arts. Students choose from 35 degree programs and more than 75 majors and concentrations. They participate in an educational environment boasting an average class size of 23 and have unprecedented opportunities for conducting undergraduate research under full-time faculty mentors.

UM fields 21 NCAA Division II athletic teams competing in the Gulf South Conference and Great Lakes Valley Conference, giving student-athletes ample opportunity to don the purple and gold.

We invite you to take a tour and see for yourself why You Belong at Montevallo!

CONNECT WITH US @UMontevallo

@Montevallo

@Montevallo

@UnivMontevallo

FOR MORE INFORMATION: montevallo.edu/visit Call: 205-665-6030 or 800-292-4349 (toll-free) Email: admissions@montevallo.edu 86

B-METRO.COM

At the University of Montevallo, you will enjoy small classes, personalized attention, engaging student activities and abundant opportunities for real-world experience.

You will emerge a well-rounded, highly educated individual who isn’t just ready for the world — you’re ready to change it.

montevallo.edu 205-665-6030 admissions@montevallo.edu #IBelongAtMontevallo

Here, students don’t merely fit in, they find a place to call home. You will discover a new family where you belong. So, schedule a tour — come see for yourself why You belong at the University of Montevallo.

special promotional section

The South’s BEST Colleges

THE W:

Physical Environment Unique in the marketplace, The W provides a walkable, open campus; a large number of buildings on The National Register of Historic Places; and a geographic location in easy distance of its host community, Columbus, Mississippi.

Social/Psychological Environment A campus known for its Southern hospitality, The W has a commitment to each student that closely aligns with its mission; a strong sense of service; a familiar tradition; and a closeness with faculty that allows building relationships that last.

Quality of Instruction and Academic Excellence Our university has an experienced faculty; an institutional reputation for strong academics and program offerings; strong peer interaction; and a favorable 14:1 student faculty ratio.

The W was founded in 1884 on a pretty daring idea: women should have the chance for higher education. Today, the university attracts both female and male students from around the region and around the world.

It has established one of the premier nursing programs in the state, offering degrees from the associate’s through the doctor of nursing practice, and has developed a nationally recognized program in culinary arts.

The W’s colleges include the College of Arts, Sciences, & Education, the College of Business & Professional Studies and the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

We know college is not just about academics. It’s hard not to find a fit in one of more than 75 student organizations.

Help plan a concert, compete in intramurals, serve in student government, join a social club, sorority, or fraternity. Or start your own organization. We’re all about you!

MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN Personal, Affordable, Quality Education

Our students say there’s something special about The W. You might think they’re talking about our beautiful historic campus, our small class sizes, accessibility, or the fact that we’ve been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly Magazine.

Sure those are important. But what students say gives their education that extra something is our community, which is down to earth, welcoming, and intellectually curious. It’s what makes them feel at home.

The W is known for its intimate setting; history and traditions; and “like family” attitude.

For more information call 1.877.462.8439 or visit muw.edu./admissions.

88

B-METRO.COM

The Blue For You.

special promotional section

The South’s BEST Colleges

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE We have a mission. You have a calling. Our mission at Mississippi College is to provide an educational experienced marked by academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ. Not only do we strive to transform our students intellectually, but we aim to develop the whole person–socially, spiritually, emotionally–so that they can enter the world bolder, better, and wiser, ready to pursue and fulfill their calling. MC has maintained its focus on this mission for nearly two centuries–since 1826.

So, what’s your calling? Are you called to save lives on the operating table? Are you called to the classroom, to teach children science or history? Maybe you are destined to be the next big executive in the boardroom. Or perhaps you are called to channel your artistic interests through design or performance? Whatever your goals, at MC, you can be sure you will be equipped with the skills and direction necessary to achieve your calling and influence the world.

As the oldest university and the largest private institution in the state, MC offers an array of academic programs for its students, including over 80 areas of undergraduate study, meaning there is something for just about everyone at MC. Plus, with over 70 chartered student organizations and 17 Division II athletic teams, there is never

a shortage of activity to keep you engaged, from archery to the Student Government Association to intramurals and campus-sponsored concerts. MC is large enough to afford you a variety of opportunities to satisfy your interests, passions, and pursuits, but small enough that you will be more than just a number here.

MC is a rare find in the field of Christian higher education with our wide array of options and activities and a cost that is approximately $15,000 less per year than the average private university. With our generous scholarship program, MC is a viable option for many students and that is why we recently ranked as a “Best Value” by U.S. News & World Report.

For our students, higher education means more than getting a degree. It means finding a family away from home, having their Christian values reinforced in all areas of their lives, and establishing an educational foundation upon which they will continue to build the rest of their lives.

To learn more about the many reasons why MC may be the perfect fit for you, visit mc.edu/whyMC.

90

B-METRO.COM

JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

It’s not just about getting your degree from Jacksonville State University.

It’s about the journey and being prepared for where it may take you.

It’s about asking the important questions.

What do I want to become? What do I want to achieve?

How will I get there? At JSU, we not only help you answer these questions, we prepare you for success.

You just know it’s the right campus for you.

YOU JUST KNOW.

WWW.JSU.EDU/APPLY

/JSUadmissions #YouJustKnow