Oakwood University

History:
Oakwood University, which began as an industrial school, was founded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1896 to educate African-Americans in the South. The school was erected on 380 acres purchased during the previous year for $6,700. Additional property secured in 1918 nearly tripled its land holding. The school underwent several name changes over its history:

• 1896 – Oakwood Industrial School
• 1904 – Oakwood Manual Training School
• 1917 – Oakwood Junior College
• 1943 – Oakwood College
• 2008 – Oakwood University

Several principals served the school until it achieved Junior College status and elected its first president, James I. Beardsley, in 1917.

Introduction:
Oakwood University of Seventh-day Adventists, commonly referred to as Oakwood University, is a historically black university located in Huntsville, Alabama. It is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A group of College constituents made the decision on December 2, 2007 to change the school’s name from Oakwood College to Oakwood University, effective January 1, 2008. Diversity is integral to the Oakwood University legacy.  It is one of the University’s greatest assets in its mission and role in the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Men and women from various countries, ethnic groups, racial backgrounds, and educational disciplines bring a wide range of cultural, professional and personal experience to the University community.  Each person makes a contribution and helps to drive the model of Education, Excellence, Eternity.  To use this diversity strength to best advantage, all faculty, staff and students will contribute to insuring that persons of all backgrounds and physical conditions are valued, respected, and affirmed.

Campus:
Oakwood University owns 1,185 acres (5 km2) in Huntsville, Alabama. The main campus consists of 23 buildings spread across 105 acres (0.4 km2). Another 500 acres (2 km²) under cultivation. Building developments are continuing. The J. L. Moran Hall, completed in 1944 and named after the first black president of Oakwood, stands with more recently erected buildings such as the McKee Business & Technology Complex, completed in 2002.

Contact Details:
7000 Adventist Blvd NW
Huntsville, AL 35896, United States
Phone: 1.800.824.5312, 256.726.7000
Email id: admission@oakwood.edu
Official Website: http://www.oakwood.edu/