About Us

AAICU was first founded in 1956 to benefit both students and member institutions through various fundraising activities. Its sister organization, The Council for Advancement of Private Colleges in Alabama (CAPCA) was established in 1969 to work public policy issues on behalf of independent colleges in the state. The administrative staffs of the two associations were consolidated under one chief executive officer in 1987 and remained separate entities until July of 2006 when both organizations merged into a single association under the AAICU name.

The purpose of the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (AAICU) is to promote and protect the interests of independent higher education in Alabama and oversee scholarship fundraising efforts for students attending each of its fourteen member schools.


Our member colleges possess excellence in teaching and technology, low faculty- student ratios, high retention of students, and a unique, personal approach to education. These institutions teach students to master critical thinking skills, communicate effectively, gain an appreciation for the arts and humanities and a commitment to community service.


AAICU is governed by a Board of Directors, currently chaired by Dr. Billy Hawkins, president of Talladega College. The Board is comprised of the college presidents of member institutions as well as business trustees from throughout the state. AAICU’s president is Paul Hankins, and he is responsible for leading the association on a day to day basis.

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