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Auburn Chosen Over Florence for Alabama's Land-Grant College in 1872 After Legislative Maneuvering
In a closely watched decision in February 1872, the Alabama State Legislature selected Auburn as the site for the state's new land-grant college, an institution mandated by the federal Morrill Act of 1862. This outcome followed a "lively debate" and ultimately saw a minority report of a legislative selection committee, which favored Auburn, adopted over a majority report that had reportedly considered Florence the "most viable option."
The Morrill Act entitled Alabama to 240,000 acres of federal land to establish a college focused on agriculture and the mechanic arts. Several locations vied for the new institution, with Florence in Lauderdale County and Auburn in Lee County emerging as the primary contenders.
Special committees were formed by the legislature in December 1871 to evaluate the proposals and recommend a location. While Florence was initially seen by some as the stronger candidate, Auburn's offer to donate the entire campus, including land and buildings, of the East Alabama Male College proved to be a decisive factor. This existing infrastructure, despite the college's financial difficulties, provided a tangible starting point for the new land-grant institution.
The political climate of the Reconstruction era also played a significant role. The Republican-controlled state legislature and governorship ultimately made the decision. On February 13, 1872, the legislature opted to support the minority committee report advocating for Auburn. The bill officially designating Auburn as the site for the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama (now Auburn University) was passed on February 24, 1872.
While specific details of the majority and minority committee reports and the full scope of the legislative debates are not readily available in easily accessible public records today, historical accounts indicate that Auburn's tangible offer of existing facilities was a compelling argument. Key individuals like Sheldon Toomer, who had deep ties to Auburn as an alumnus, future faculty member, prominent businessman (founder of Toomer's Drugs and the Bank of Auburn), and eventual local and state politician, likely played a crucial role in advocating for Auburn's selection.
In contrast, while Florence had an existing institution in Florence Wesleyan University, the specific resources it could offer or commit to the land-grant college's particular focus on agricultural and mechanical education, as compared to Auburn's outright donation of its college campus, may have been perceived as less advantageous by the legislators who voted in favor of the minority report. The exact financial condition and suitability of Florence Wesleyan University for this new role, in the eyes of the decision-makers, versus the immediate availability of the East Alabama Male College campus, likely tipped the scales in Auburn's favor.
Thus, Florence lost the bid for Alabama's land-grant college due to a combination of Auburn's strategic donation of existing infrastructure, effective advocacy by its proponents, and the prevailing political dynamics within the Reconstruction-era Alabama Legislature that led to the adoption of the minority committee report.
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The University of North Alabama has terminated all its custodial employees, opting to use a professional service instead. Current custodial employees, if they choose to remain with the private company, will lose the State benefits they've become accustomed to.
In fact, these employees say they'll now be working to pay the exorbitant insurance costs, with little left for anything else. We wonder how many faithful employees will actually transfer to the private company. Perhaps the university will soon regret its decision.
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Will other departments soon see a similar move? The future of campus police may be surprising...
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Kenneth Kitts, the president of the University of North Alabama and the man who attempted to steal Braly Stadium and the old Coffee High School property from the City of Florence, is not anyone for an honest person to emulate. Yet the university trustees fawn over the mop-top educator.
The trustees have often commented the prexy is such an asset that he requires various bonuses. Does the average person know how much Kitts makes in a year?
Let's look at 2024...
How many of our readers, no matter their degrees, make even close to $600K annually? Don't forget the Kitts family mansion, mortgage and property tax free. What is wrong with this picture?
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Interestingly, the more money the City gives UNA, the more guarded and distant that institution becomes from the community.
Tomorrow: Hidden crime.
The University of North Alabama has asked the four major Shoals cities for a donation over the next four years to help with construction of its new Bank Independent stadium.
Tuscumia said - No answer yet.
Muscle Shoals said - We'll think about it.
Sheffield said - We'll give you 10K.
Florence said - We'll give you two million.
Remember: This is the same university that tried to steal Braly Stadium. How much did Florence taxpayers have to hand over to defend that frivolous lawsuit?
Don't Blame Me; I'm Dead
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The Social and Woke University substantial fee increases are due in part to the real estate portfolio Kitts and his board are amassing.
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We're sure there are as many opinions of the University of North Alabama as there are students. Here's a current essay from the Flor-Ala:
While the article is extremely interesting in itself, it's one of the comments that's especially telling. Over and over, we read of rape victims being treated this way.
Note that it's not some lower class goon who's telling the victim it's her fault. It's a part of the administration who should be supportive of the university's students.
The rape victims aren't getting even lip service. What is wrong with a large part of society, especially our university?
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If you're like us, you are unfamiliar with the meaning of the word "ligature" in printing. It seems it indicates two or more letters joined together into one logo. It has been announced the University of North Alabama is rebranding in honor of joining Division I athletics. The ligature above is part of the package for which the university paid actual dollars.
We can see the tourists now: "Well, I'm either headed to the university for the ballgame or I'm on my way to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. Hmmm, sign looks pretty cheap, so it must be UNA."
Look on the bright side. It makes F!rence look good...
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You may have heard about the UNA police officer accused of committing felony theft by appropriating two generators from the campus. This made the news; we're guessing because the insurance company wouldn't reimburse the university unless charges were filed.
But what about the theft of things with more intellectual or sentimental value than monetary? We hear it's rampant at UNA, but usually no charges are filed. A teaching assistant steals an old book, an adjunct steals historical papers, even a professor steals a theater prop. Does UNA file charges?
In most cases, if the items are returned, the powers that be simply slap a wrist and ask the offender to behave better the next time. Is this fair to the taxpayers who fund the programs at UNA? We think not.
If you're aware of campus theft, report it to police. If you're uncomfortable with that, contact us, and we'll help you get to the right agency to get it sorted.
Remember: If you report the theft, you're not only helping UNA, you're bringing to light an unsavory element that has no place on the campus.
Perhaps it's a case of a horse refusing to drink after being led to water. It would seem logical that the closer one lived to an institution of higher learning, the easier it would be to obtain a college degree. Apparently that's not true for all.
According to the latest statistics available (2019), just over 25% of adults in Alabama have at least a four-year degree. For the purposes of the study, an adult is defined as anyone 25 and over. Florence has, if one counts Heritage Christian University, two institutions offering bachelor's and master's degrees. Wouldn't it follow that Lauderdale County would have a higher than average educational attainment?
Sorry. Lauderdale has a rate of 24.5%, or almost one percent less than the state average. Colbert has 18.1%, and Franklin trails at 14%.
We know many who work in what's commonly called a trade who have college degrees. A university degree has been the "new high school diploma" for decades now. Is UNA failing? Are our high schools failing?
Look at bright side: At least Alabama has a real winner where it counts - Nick Saban and Alabama football...
An extremely pithy guest editorial:
From a faithful reader:
The University of North Alabama expansion in Tuscumbia may soon be ready to use. The new location will host meetings and events. It will also feature office, gallery, and classroom spaces.
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