Auburn University is recognized for combining the traditions of its rich history with a forward-looking commitment to exceptional student-centered education, transformational research and creative scholarship, and extension activities that improve the quality of life and foster economic growth. Throughout its many names and roles, Auburn has remained a cornerstone of higher education and a proud member of the land-, sea-, and space-grant university community.

Past Presidents

University Timeline

1856
Auburn University began as East Alabama Male College, chartered on Februrary 1, 1856, and opened in 1859 as a private liberal arts institution.
1872
Became the state’s first land-grant institution under the Morrill Act; renamed Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama.
1899
With programs expanding far beyond agriculture and mechanics, the school became Alabama Polytechnic Institute.
1960
Officially became Auburn University, recognizing growth into a comprehensive research institution.
1967
Auburn University at Montgomery was created in 1967 as a separately accredited campus. After moving to a 500-acre site east of Montgomery in 1971, the campus developed rapidly. 
1980s-1990s
Achieved sea- and space-grant designations, strengthening its national research profile.
Colleges and Dates of Inception
  • College of Agriculture 1872
  • Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 1872
  • Graduate School 1872
  • James Harrison School of Pharmacy 1885
  • College of Veterinary Medicine 1907
  • College of Architecture, Design & Construction 1907
  • College of Education 1915
  • College of Human Sciences 1916
  • College of Business 1967
  • School of Nursing 1979
  • School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences 1984
  • College of Sciences and Mathematics 1986
  • College of Liberal Arts 1986

* In 1986, the colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences & Mathematics were created from the former schools of Arts & Sciences, Agriculture and Biological Sciences, and Architecture and Fine Arts.