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Miles College Unveils New Turf Practice Field Thanks to Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Grant
FAIRFIELD, AL – [August 27, 2024] – Miles College is proud to announce the completion of a new turf practice field for its football team, made possible through a generous grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. This significant upgrade comes just in time as the Golden Bears prepare for the upcoming football season, ensuring that our student-athletes have the best resources at their disposal.
Dr. Steven E. Hairston, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Development at Miles College, played a pivotal role in securing the grant along with Athletic Director, Fred Watson. Their leadership and commitment to the students of Miles College have resulted in a state-of-the-art practice facility that not only meets the needs of the football team but also stands as a symbol of the college's dedication to excellence in athletics.
The grant, awarded through the HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program, facilitated the conversion of the college’s natural grass field to a high-quality turf field. This program, funded by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF) and supported by the NFL Foundation, was specifically designed to enhance field quality, safety, and accessibility for students and local community groups that serve youth through football. The program targeted select HBCUs in Georgia and Alabama, and Miles College is honored to have been chosen as a recipient.
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This new field will not only benefit the football program but will also benefit our students intramural athletics and serve as a resource for the broader Miles College community and local youth programs.
President Bobbie Knight, J.D.
“This new field will not only benefit the football program but will also benefit our student intramural athletics and serve as a resource for the broader Miles College community and local youth programs. The college remains committed to fostering an environment where students can excel both on and off the field. We offer our thanks to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation,” said President Bobbie Knight.
Miles College Football, coming off an outstanding season last year, is poised to continue its success with the help of this new field. “We are appreciative of the Blank Family Foundation and LISC Sports and Recreation for their support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This practice field allows our athletes to have game day scenarios. Miles College is thankful for the support and looks forward to the collaborations and opportunities ahead,” said Athletic Director of Miles College, Fred Watson.
Dr. Hairston also emphasized the importance of teamwork in this project, stating, "Our goal as an institution is to always provide the best for our students and to support them in every way possible. The collaboration between the Miles College Athletic Department and myself and the Office of Institutional Advancement and Development is a testament to the spirit of teamwork that defines Miles College. I look forward to witnessing the team practice under the lights on this remarkable field."
For more information about Miles College and its athletic programs, please visit www.milesgoldenbears.com
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About the College: Founded in 1898 Miles College is located in Fairfield, Alabama. We are a private, liberal arts, Historically Black College with roots in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The College, through dedicated faculty, cultivates students to seek knowledge that leads to intellectual and civic empowerment. Students are transformed through rigorous study, scholarly inquiry, and spiritual awareness, thereby enabling graduates to become responsible citizens who help shape the global society. Miles College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
