Talladega College, a historically Black institution in Alabama, has announced the discontinuation of several athletic programs due to financial challenges. The affected sports include men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, men’s volleyball, and acrobatics and tumbling.
This decision follows a series of financial difficulties for the college. Earlier in the year, Talladega College faced delays in meeting payroll and, in July, discontinued its gymnastics program after only one season to save money.
Interim President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough acknowledged the challenges, stating that while the decision to discontinue the gymnastics program was difficult, the institution remains proud of its athletes and their achievements.
Freshman Kyrstin Johnson secured a national title in April, but the program was discontinued over the summer. As a result, she transferred from the HBCU and now competes at Temple University.
The college’s leadership is actively working to address these financial issues. In a recent State of the College address, Dr. Kimbrough outlined plans to “course correct” the institution, including measures to reduce administrative costs and explore additional revenue streams.
These developments highlight the broader financial challenges faced by small, private institutions, particularly historically Black colleges and universities, as they strive to balance fiscal responsibility with providing diverse athletic and academic opportunities for their students.