Statement from Birmingham-Southern College President Daniel Coleman on Birmingham City Council Request

Birmingham, AL (11/21/2023) — Birmingham-Southern College is deeply grateful to the Birmingham City Council for their consideration of Mayor Randall Woodfin's proposal to provide a $5 million loan to the College.

This proposed funding represents a critical part of our effort to pursue solutions that will keep the College open permanently. The funding would give us time to continue to work with elected officials to obtain the bridge funding that has already been set aside by the Alabama Legislature, and to continue to secure endowment funding from private sources.

Our goal has always been to ensure that BSC continues to fill our unique role in Alabama's educational landscape - a small, private, residential college that prepares students for lives of significance and service. We also remain committed to serving the city by being a good partner to the historic neighborhoods that surround us.

We look forward to providing any additional information the Councilors need as they thoughtfully consider this important decision. And we are grateful to the Mayor for his leadership and partnership in developing the proposal.