News Summary
The University of Alabama will rename its College of Arts and Sciences to the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences after a $35 million donation from alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr. The donation aims to enhance the college’s commitment to teaching, innovation, and research, benefiting over 9,000 students across multiple programs. University officials praised Barefield’s philanthropy, emphasizing its importance in advancing the college’s mission and reputation.
Birmingham, Alabama – The University of Alabama has announced that its College of Arts and Sciences will be renamed the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences following a generous $35 million donation from alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr. This significant financial contribution marks a pivotal moment in the university’s history and demonstrates the continuing spirit of philanthropy among its alumni.
The decision to rename the college was approved during a meeting of the UA System Board of Trustees on June 6. University of Alabama President Stuart Bell expressed his appreciation for Barefield’s generosity, noting that it embodies the culture of giving that is characteristic of the university community.
Dean Joseph Messina highlighted that the donation will greatly enhance the college’s commitment to excellence in teaching, innovation, research, and creative outreach. Currently, the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences serves over 9,000 students who pursue a diverse range of academic interests across 80 majors, minors, concentrations, and graduate programs.
J. Frank Barefield Jr. is the co-owner of Abbey Residential, LLC, a reputable real estate firm based in Birmingham, alongside Dr. Marnix Heersink. Their partnership has resulted in a remarkable property portfolio valued at over $2.5 billion. Barefield is also a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst, holding a degree in finance from the University of Alabama and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
In addition to his recent commitment to the University of Alabama, Barefield’s philanthropic efforts include a previous donation of $10 million to UAB, which facilitated the naming of the department of criminal justice and its entrepreneurship program. His active involvement in local community initiatives is further demonstrated by his role as board chair for Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, where he supports various law enforcement initiatives, including funding for a local police training center.
Living with his wife, Barbi Breimann, in Vestavia Hills, Barefield expressed that the education he received from the University of Alabama played a critical role in paving the way for his academic and professional success.
The transformative nature of this gift will provide the college with a discretionary endowment, allowing its leadership the flexibility to invest in vital initiatives that can elevate the institution’s standing. It is estimated that the endowment will generate approximately $1.5 million annually, which will directly benefit the college’s operational needs.
Notably, the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences will now be one of only two colleges within the University of Alabama named after a donor, alongside the Culverhouse College of Business. Barefield’s vision for the college includes helping the university attract top-tier educators and students from around the world, further advancing its mission and enhancing its national reputation.
This strategic investment not only acknowledges Barefield’s commitment to education but also ensures that the College of Arts and Sciences remains a leader in producing quality graduates prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Developer Makes $35 Million Gift
- ABC 33/40: Alumnus Donates $35 Million to UA
- Yellowhammer News: Barefield Gift to UA
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- The Crimson White: College Renamed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa News: UA Renames College
- Google Search: J. Frank Barefield Jr
- Patch: UA Alumnus Announces $35M Gift
- Google News: University of Alabama Donation
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