About Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU), founded in 1875 as a land-grant institution, is a public historically black university located in Normal, near Huntsville, Alabama, United States. It was established to provide education in agriculture, mechanical arts, and sciences, evolving into a comprehensive university offering over 60 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. AAMU is renowned for its commitment to STEM education, research in renewable energy, biotechnology, and agricultural sciences, and its role in advancing opportunities for underrepresented communities. The university's mission emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, and public service, with key achievements including high rankings in producing African American graduates in engineering and agriculture. Campus locations include the main 1,200-acre site in Normal, featuring modern facilities like the State Black Archives Research Center and the AAMU Small Farms Research Center. For more details, visit the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Alabama, and Academic Jobs in Huntsville.
AAMU has a rich history tied to the Morrill Acts, initially named the Huntsville Normal School before becoming Alabama A&M in 1969. It boasts notable alumni in politics, science, and business, and its research initiatives have secured millions in federal funding. The university's key departments include the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences; College of Business and Public Affairs; College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences; and College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences. These departments drive innovation, with strengths in cybersecurity, materials science, and environmental studies. AAMU's location in Huntsville, known as the 'Rocket City' due to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, provides unique collaborations for faculty and students. The university enrolls about 6,000 students and employs over 400 faculty members, fostering a vibrant academic community focused on equity and excellence.
In recent years, AAMU has expanded its online programs and international partnerships, enhancing its global reach. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in projects like urban farming and renewable energy research. For academics interested in higher education jobs at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, the institution offers a supportive environment with resources for professional growth. Students and professionals can benefit from its career services, which connect graduates to industries in aerospace, defense, and biotechnology prevalent in the region.
AAMU's athletic programs, part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, add to campus life, with the Bulldogs competing in NCAA Division I. The university's cultural events, including the Magic City Classic football game, highlight its community engagement. Overall, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University stands as a pillar of academic excellence in the South, dedicated to transforming lives through education and research.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Faculty job opportunities at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like engineering, agriculture, and biological sciences. As a land-grant institution, AAMU emphasizes research and teaching roles that contribute to community development. Recent job trends show growth in STEM fields, with positions such as Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering or Research Fellow in Biotechnology being highly sought after. According to 2025 academic trends, there's an increasing focus on interdisciplinary roles combining technology with sustainable agriculture, driven by Huntsville's tech ecosystem. Professor positions at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University often require a PhD and demonstrated research experience, with opportunities for tenure-track advancement.
Salary ranges for faculty at AAMU vary by rank and department. Based on researched data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and university reports, Assistant Professors earn approximately $60,000 to $80,000 annually, while Associate Professors range from $70,000 to $90,000, and Full Professors can expect $80,000 to $110,000 or more, depending on experience and funding. These figures are competitive for HBCUs and factor in Alabama's cost of living. Departments like Engineering and Agriculture offer higher salaries due to grant availability. For lecturer roles at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, salaries start around $50,000, with adjunct positions being part-time and variable.
Research jobs at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University are prominent, with centers like the Center for Biotechnology and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System providing funding for innovative projects. Job seekers can find listings on AcademicJobs.com, filtered by AAMU. Explore academic careers at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University through Higher Ed Jobs or Research Jobs. The university's location in Huntsville enhances opportunities with nearby industries. To apply, visit AAMU's career portal or AcademicJobs.com for tailored searches.
In 2025, trends indicate a rise in remote higher ed jobs and adjunct professor jobs at AAMU, adapting to post-pandemic needs. Faculty in the College of Education often secure grants for teacher training programs. Overall, higher education jobs at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University provide stability and impact, with benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.
Assistant Professor in Engineering 💼
Focus on materials science; salary $70k-$85k. Apply via Faculty Jobs.
Lecturer in Agriculture 🎓
Teach sustainable farming; salary $55k-$70k. See Lecturer Jobs.
Research Fellow in Biotechnology 🔬
Grant-funded role; salary $65k-$80k. Explore Research Assistant Jobs.
Associate Professor in Business
Tenure-track; salary $75k-$95k. Check Professor Jobs.
Why Work at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Working at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University offers a rewarding blend of academic excellence, community impact, and professional growth. As an HBCU, AAMU provides a supportive environment for diverse faculty, with unique benefits like collaborative research in STEM fields and access to Huntsville's tech hub. Career prospects include tenure opportunities and funding from agencies like NSF and USDA. Researched advantages include low student-to-faculty ratios, fostering meaningful mentorship, and programs for work-life balance. Academic careers at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University are appealing for those passionate about equity in education. Explore more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty enjoy benefits such as professional development workshops, sabbaticals, and health coverage. The university's focus on innovation, with centers like the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, allows for groundbreaking work in food security and environmental science. Compared to larger institutions, AAMU offers a close-knit community with opportunities for leadership roles early in one's career.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
The salary guide for faculty at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University reflects competitive compensation in higher education, influenced by rank, department, experience, and location in Alabama. Based on 2025 data from sources like AAUP salary surveys and university disclosures, average salaries are as follows: Assistant Professors earn $60,000-$80,000, with higher ends in engineering ($75,000+). Associate Professors range from $70,000-$90,000, often boosted by research grants. Full Professors command $80,000-$110,000, with top earners in sciences exceeding $120,000 due to external funding. Factors affecting pay include tenure status, publication record, and administrative duties. In Huntsville, the cost of living is moderate, making these salaries attractive. Compared to national averages, AAMU's figures are solid for public HBCUs, with adjustments for inflation and market demands.
Lecturers and adjuncts start at $45,000-$60,000 for full-time roles, while research positions can offer stipends plus benefits. Departments like Engineering and Physical Sciences provide higher salaries due to industry partnerships, whereas humanities may be lower but offer teaching flexibility. Benefits packages add value, including retirement contributions and health insurance, potentially increasing total compensation by 20-30%. For precise data, consult Professor Salaries or University Salaries. Job trends for 2025 show salary increases in STEM to attract talent amid national shortages.
Faculty in agriculture benefit from land-grant funding, which can supplement base pay through grants. Experience plays a key role; entry-level PhDs start lower but advance quickly with publications. Location in Alabama offers tax advantages, enhancing net income. Overall, salaries at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University support a comfortable lifestyle while contributing to meaningful academic work.
| Rank 📊 | Salary Range 📍 | Department Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $60,000-$80,000 | Engineering, Sciences |
| Associate Professor | $70,000-$90,000 | Agriculture, Business |
| Full Professor | $80,000-$110,000 | Education, Technology |
| Lecturer | $50,000-$70,000 | Humanities, Behavioral Sciences |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com helps students and academics discover top educators at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Based on researched notable faculty, ratings highlight excellence in teaching and research. These insights aid in course selection and recognize professors' impact on programs like engineering and agriculture. Visit Rate My Professor to contribute and explore.
Dr. Andrew Hugine (Administration)
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Known for leadership in university initiatives.
Dr. Venkata Atluri (Engineering)
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - Expert in materials science, praised for clear lectures.
Dr. Barbara Cady (Agriculture)
Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐ - Focuses on sustainable farming, highly engaging.
Dr. Derrick Davis (Business)
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ - Teaches management with real-world applications.
Dr. Lydia Wheat (Education)
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Inspires future teachers with innovative methods.
Career Progression at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Career progression at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured professor, with salaries increasing by rank. Entry-level Assistant Professors advance to Associate after 5-7 years with strong research, then to Full Professor. Tenure-track emphasizes publications and grants, especially in STEM. Researched strengths include professional development programs and mentorship. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice for guidance.
University-specific factors like HBCU funding support diverse career paths, with opportunities in administration or research centers.
Research and Innovation at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Research at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University focuses on STEM, agriculture, and sustainability, with trends in 2025 emphasizing AI in farming and renewable energy. Major centers include the Center for Irradiation of Materials and collaborations with NASA. Funding exceeds $20 million annually. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations include biotech advancements and environmental studies, offering opportunities for faculty and students.
Resources for Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Academics
- Professional development workshops through the Faculty Development Center 🎓
- Faculty unions and benefits including health and retirement plans
- Research grants from USDA and NSF 💼
- Career advising via Higher Ed Career Advice
Student Life and Perspectives at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Student life at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is vibrant, with clubs, athletics, and cultural events. Programs in STEM lead to strong career outcomes in tech and agriculture. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Researched resources include scholarships and internships in Huntsville.
Perspectives highlight inclusive community and hands-on learning.