Reaction pours in as Miles College reaches agreement to purchase Birmingham-Southern College

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — On Wednesday, Miles College announced an agreement to purchase Birmingham Southern College following the colleges’ closure in May.

Birmingham Southern College Alumna Damien Mitchell said he feels at peace about the announcement.

“It’s not going to be a wasted space. I think there is going to be utilization for everybody,” said Mitchell. “The fact that Miles is in there now. I think that they’ll benefit great from it, but as an alum it still kind of stings.”

Alabama State Representative Juandalynn Givan said although she has not directly spoken with the leadership at Miles College about this purchase, she said the announcement of a purchase is not a surprise.

“I’m hoping that they’re going to make it productive. My hope also is that not only do they make it productive, that the endeavor that they are undertaking is one that in five years or ten years or twenty years that the institution will still be there as Miles College,” said Givan.

Everett Ferguson is a longtime College Hill Neighborhood resident, where the former Birmingham Southern College resides. Ferguson said they hope with Miles College making a presence in the neighborhood it will help revamp the area.

“Some of us are having a sigh of relief knowing that the campus is going to good hands, and I genuinely trust that my alma mater has good plans for the campus,” said Ferguson.

In a statement regarding the agreement to purchase, Miles College President Bobbie Knight said “It is clear that institutions like Miles College continue to serve as powerful engines of economic growth and opportunity. For generations, Miles College has been a cornerstone of progress in our community. This opportunity is a significant next step in our vision to lift our college, campus, and community.”

Givan said this agreement is also historical as Miles College would be the second Historically Black College or University in history to purchase an institute of this magnitude.

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