Athens State University is Alabama's oldest educational institution of higher learning.

At its annual meeting in June 1974, the conference gave the board this permission and authorized the transfer of the college to the State of Alabama.

Later that year, the legislature appropriated funds for the operation of the college to serve the graduates of state junior, community, and technical colleges/institutions.

[3] On May 11, 2012, a bill was passed by the Alabama legislature allowing the creation of an autonomous board of trustees for the university.

Founders Hall is individually listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.