Alabama A&M University has offered to buy Birmingham-Southern College for about $52 million.

If approved by the BSC Board of Trustees, the campus would operate as an independent campus under the Alabama A&M umbrella and the university would seek to retain its qualified faculty and staff. If approved, it would become Birmingham's first public HBCU.

Importantly, A&M's proposal is not aligned with the HBCU Consortium for the Acquisition of BSC proposed by State Senator Merica Coleman (R-Birmingham). In interviews and speeches before the Alabama Senate, Coleman has said that all HBCUs in Alabama should be part of the HBCU Acquisition. Under discussion The company also plans to make an acquisition proposal to BSC, but has not announced any plans.

Shannon Reeves, vice chancellor for government relations and external affairs, confirmed today that Alabama A&M University has submitted an offer.

“If the BSC approves the purchase agreement, AAMU is committed to not carving up the campus for a private company or other for-profit entity. AAMU is committed to using the entire campus to provide a quality higher education experience for all students,” Reeves said.

Under the proposed transaction, Alabama A&M University would become the sole owner of the BSC campus and offer a wide range of academic programs outlined in a detailed preliminary plan.

RELATED: Alabama A&M University Birmingham: State's largest HBCU prepares to buy Birmingham-Southern campus

“For Alabama A&M University, Birmingham to thrive, we must actively recruit and retain our graduates. Along with developing resource streams to support growth and institutional strengthening, it is also important to rethink AAMU's academic program mix to better align with the needs of the students AAMU wants to recruit and retain,” the document, titled “Alabama A&M University, Birmingham,” states.

“The acquisition of Birmingham-Southern College aligns with AAMU's strategy to provide a best-in-class education wherever our universities are located. This opportunity will provide significant benefits to key stakeholders including faculty, alumni and the local community.”

He added that Alabama A&M University is eager to partner with neighborhood associations and other community groups in west Birmingham and throughout the city. “Our goal is one campus, one culture and one community,” Reeves said.

If purchased, Alabama A&M University aims to have 1,000 students enrolled at the Birmingham campus by the fall 2025 semester and 3,500 students by 2029.

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson