Athens State University is located in Athens, Alabama, a picturesque area equidistant between Birmingham and Nashville. Our campus is situated on approximately 85 acres and has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. Explore a few of our campus buildings below and schedule your visit to see why Athens State is the perfect backdrop to finish your education.
Campus
Founders Hall
Built in 1842 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Founders Hall is the oldest building on campus and serves as an iconic landmark for Athens State University. Founders Hall currently houses the Office of the President, offices for Financial Affairs, and faculty and staff offices for the College of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, Founders Hall houses the Glasgow Parlor, where countless receptions and events take place, and a chapel, which now serves as a meeting space.
Sandridge Student Center
Serving as the primary center for students and student support services, the Sandridge Student Center was built in 1967 on the foundation of the 1918 gymnasium and swimming pool and was renovated in 2018. The Center was named for Dr. Sidney E. Sandridge, President of the institution from 1970 through 1981, upon his retirement. The Sandridge Student Center houses the Enrollment Center, Offices of Admissions, Student Records, Student Financial Aid, Transfer Advising and Career Development Centers, Accessibility Services, and the University Bookstore.
Admissions
Waters Hall
Currently housing classrooms, science labs, and offices for College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff, Waters Hall was completed in 1957; an expansion and total renovation was completed in 2010. Waters Hall also houses the Mathematical, Computer, and Natural Sciences (MCNS) Learning Lab, which provides tutoring assistance to students in math, computer science, and biology classes. The building is named in honor of Mr. N. H. Waters, who was President of the institution’s Board of Trustees in 1957 and a loyal supporter of the institution.
College of Arts and Sciences
Classroom Building
The Classroom Building houses interactive, multi-purpose classrooms and was completed in the fall of 1998. In 2019, the Classroom Building also became the home for Academic Technology Services, the Technology Help Desk, and lounges for faculty and students.
Kares Library
Kares Library at Athens State University opened in 1996, with the majority of the funds for its construction coming from private donations. In addition to the Library collection and offices, the building houses the University Writing Center, a Learning Commons area, and the Dr. Elva Bell McLin Archives Room. The Library was ceremoniously named “Kares Library” in 2019 in honor of Mr. Robert Kares (a 1968 alumnus of Athens College) and his wife, Gale, a retired librarian, after they donated a significant sum of money to create an endowment for the library.
Kares Library
Sanders Hall
Currently home to offices for faculty and staff in the College of Business, Sanders Hall was built in 1921; a total renovation was completed in 2010. Originally a women’s dormitory, the Hall is named for Colonel W. T. Sanders, who presided over the institution’s Board of Trustees from 1896 to 1921.
College of Business
McCandless Hall
McCandless Hall, built in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses the University’s “Griffin Auditorium” that serves as a facility for concerts, plays, and lectures for the campus and community. The building also houses offices for Academic Affairs, the Fiddlers Museum, and the Delmore Brothers Museum. McCandless Hall underwent a complete renovation in 2013 to both restore original features and add modern facilities to ensure equal access for all patrons. The auditorium features a tracker-action pipe organ that dates back to 1892.
McCain Hall
Currently home to offices for faculty and staff in the College of Education, McCain Hall was completed in 1962 and underwent a complete renovation in 2011. Originally serving as a women’s dormitory, the building is named for Dr. Virgil B. McCain, President of the institution from 1959 until 1965.
College of Education
Campus Security
Once known as the “Little White House,” this small cottage just south of Founders Hall now houses the offices of Campus Security. New students often visit the Security Office to receive student ID badges. The building has served many purposes through its history, including use as a Greek house and for faculty housing.
Campus Security
Carter Physical Education Center
Built in 1965 and originally serving as the hub for the University’s athletic programs (which were discontinued in 2004), the Center is named in honor of former Alabama State Representative Tommy Carter and his wife JoAnn in recognition of their support to the institution. In addition to the gymnasium, Carter houses classrooms and the Sports Museum. The Center is used for graduation exercises and for a variety of meetings and community events.
Chasteen Hall
Just off the main campus on the corner of Clinton and Hobbs Streets, Chasteen Hall currently houses the offices for the Adult Degree Program and the University Testing Center, as well as various classrooms and computer labs. The building is named for Dr. James R. Chasteen, President of Athens State from 1981 until 1990, and his wife Melba. Originally owned by then Athens College, the building was sold and served as both a grocery store and a hardware store for many years before being repurchased by the University.
Launchbox
Located at 121 South Marion Street on the east side of the historic Courthouse Square, the Launchbox is the continuing education and outreach extension of Athens State University. Its mission is to provide opportunities for students and the surrounding community to participate in community activities and educational opportunities that meet the career development and personal enrichment needs of the region. Stop by and grab a coffee at the Square Clock Coffee Shop, also housed at the Center.
Launchbox
In-Service Center
Located on Highway 31 South, the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (also known as AMSTI) is the Alabama Department of Education’s initiative to improve math and science teaching statewide. Its mission is to provide all students in Grades K through 12 with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the workforce and postsecondary studies. The Athens State University AMSTI center was established in 2008 and serves 29 schools and over 500 teachers in ten area school systems.
In-Service Center
Alabama Center for the Arts
Located in downtown Decatur, Alabama, the Alabama Center for the Arts represents a unique and dynamic partnership between Athens State University, Calhoun Community College, and the City of Decatur. The "ACA" houses the visual and performing arts programs for Athens State and serves as a hub for active and engaged creative activity and learning in an inspiring, vibrant, and supportive environment. As a key resource and driver for arts activities and education, the ACA enhances the civic and cultural life of the University and the community.
Alabama Center for the Arts
Plan Your Visit
We'd love to show you around our campus! Make plans to join us for an in-person or virtual campus tour to see our beautiful landscape and get a feel for what it's like to be a part of the Athenian family.
Campus Events
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Wednesday, December 17, 2025
New Student Information Session
Event Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Venue: Online -
Friday, January 9, 2026
Festival of the Cranes Art Exhibition
Event Time: Jan 09 8:00 AM - Feb 23 5:00 PM -
