Alabama State University, also known as ASU, Bama State, or Alabama State, is a State Owned public historically black university located in Montgomery, Alabama, US. Founded in 1867, the institution operates with an approximate employee count of 1460. The university was originally established during the Reconstruction era as one of approximately 180 "normal schools" by state governments in the 19th century, specifically designed to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools, and was one of 23 such institutions focused on training African Americans for teaching in segregated schools. While some of these initial schools closed, Alabama State University expanded its role, evolving into a state college in the early 20th century and subsequently a state university in the late 20th century. Alabama State University is also a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
