Ever wondered what it would be like to learn one of the oldest subjects in the world? ‘Liberal Arts’ is one such subject that has had a long and established place in the US higher education system. A liberal arts education provides a wide intellectual grounding in all kinds of humanistic inquiry.
Known as one of the oldest and still in operation educational institutes, Stillman College has a vast legacy of spreading education since 1876. It is a Historically Black Liberal Arts College (HBCU) that was founded by the Presbyterian Church USA in 1876 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to educate African American ministers. The Institute was a concept initiated by the Reverend Dr. Charles Allen Stillman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa. Further, the campus has been co-educational since 1921 when the Presbyterian Women constructed the first female dormitory.
Versatile Ancient to Modern Programs at Stillman College
Over the decades, the leading and ancient liberal arts college—“Stillman College” has changed with times keeping its unique and adaptive educational approach. It not only offers liberal arts education but also provides courses including Business administration, Biology, History, Religion and Teacher Education. Out of these prominent subjects, the business administration subject comprises various sub-fields like Accounting, Management, and Marketing.
The small teacher to student ratio (1:15) at Stillman enables nurtured learning that enables faculty to create close relationships with students; enhancing communication and recognition. Along with upgrading the present degree programs, Stillman regularly introduces new programs. Recently, it has launched the Criminal Justice program which is focused on Cyber Security and is supporting the development of a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security Defense Education.
While giving more information about the comprehensive programs at Stillman College, the President—Dr. Cynthia Warrick shared that Psychology is the fastest growing major at the college. Likewise, the newest concentration in Supply Chain Management & Logistics prepares students for apprenticeships and employment with nearby suppliers like Mercedes Benz International USA. Similarly, the students at Stillman College find it engaging to practically work with different companies. To make its students industry-ready, Stillman enables them to participate in summer internships with various corporate partners, retailers, and banking institutions. In addition, the students with Biology majors can participate in summer research experiences with health sciences partners like Drexel University, the University of Alabama Birmingham, University of Miami, etc. Such participation encourages students to learn more and excel in their careers. Graduates from Stillman’s biology degree program develop competitive applications for graduate and professional degree programs and many of them have become successful physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and PhDs.
Learning for All with STAMP and Arts ‘n Autism
There are significant difficulties for learners to study subjects other than their chosen ones. The completely different arena needs learning from basics. Therefore, for such non-traditional learners, Stillman offers an opportunity to complete the B.S. Management degree delivered completely online through the Stillman Accelerated Management Program (STAMP). Students can complete the degree at an affordable online tuition rate of $132 per credit hour.
Moving forward with the addition of new programs, Stillman College is aiming to launch an Undergraduate Biomedical Academy (SCUBA) to provide enhanced preparation for students wanting to excel in the biomedical sciences. The program is designed to increase the number of matriculates into health professions and graduate degree programs. Additionally, to help young adults with autism, Stillman College provides special aides who assist autistic students to attend college-level courses at the Stillman campus. Most importantly, the courses are specifically designed to help students with autism work toward living an independent future. In coming days, students majoring in Teacher education and Psychology will benefit from the partnership established with Arts ‘n Autism, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that facilitates this program with Stillman.
Spreading Knowledge while Working for Social Cause
Committed to nurturing academic excellence, Stillman College strives to provide opportunities for diverse populations. While fostering experiential learning and community engagement designed to equip and empower its students and constituents, the college has maintained a strong tradition of preparing students for leadership and dedicated service. Over the last 23 years, the Stillman Quiz Bowl team from the History department has competed in the Honda All-Star Challenge at Honda headquarters in Los Angeles, California.
An ideal education institute is the one which not only spreads knowledge but also works for the development of local society. Therefore, to empower local religious organizations and churches, Stillman College has started a new certificate program in Theology which is in conjunction with the B.A. degree in Religion and Theology. In addition, Stillman graduates attend seminaries to advance their religious credentials and serve as Pastors in multiple churches and denominations across the nation.
Dr. Cynthia Warrick, Empowering the College with Extensive Experience
Dr. Cynthia Warrick started her journey at Stillman College as President on January 1, 2017. A highly experienced pharmacist and health services researcher, Dr. Warrick has 20 years of Higher Education experience as Faculty and Administrator. As soon as she was elected to the Community College Board, Dr. Warrick decided to make a difference with her extensive experience while focusing on business and innovation in higher education.
“It is my great honor and privilege to be the President of Stillman College. We will continue to uphold the traditions and standards of the College while advancing new initiatives that support our Mission, the Community, the State, and the Nation,” stated Dr. Warrick in her speech after selected as the President.
Today, Stillman College has been actively progressing and working towards the goodwill of society. It is a member institution of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) which provides numerous scholarships, fellowships, and internships for students attending its member institutions. The college encourages parents to access the UNCF scholarship website as a source to supplement their children’s higher education costs.
