News Summary
The University of Alabama has renamed its College of Arts and Sciences to honor alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr., following a significant $35 million donation. This contribution is set to enhance funding and educational efforts for over 9,000 enrolled students. Barefield’s endowment will support various initiatives, including innovative research and student retention. The new designation marks a notable shift in the university’s commitment to education, highlighting the importance of alumni support in shaping the future.
University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences Renamed Following $35 Million Donation
The University of Alabama (UA) has officially renamed its College of Arts and Sciences to honor alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr. after he committed $35 million to the institution. This significant contribution is expected to enhance the college’s funding and educational initiatives.
The UA System Board of Trustees approved both the naming of the college and the generous donation during their June 6 meeting. The new title, the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences, will serve more than 9,000 students enrolled in 80 majors, minors, concentrations, and graduate programs.
UA President Stuart R. Bell has highlighted Barefield’s generosity as a reflection of the spirit of giving that defines the university community. This newly designated college is now distinguished as one of only two named colleges at the University of Alabama.
Impact of the Donation
Barefield’s endowment includes a fully discretionary fund, allowing for quick, strategic action on various educational initiatives. This fund is set to bolster efforts in several areas, including:
- Innovative research initiatives
- Retention of top scholars
- Support for students facing unexpected hardships
Current statistics show that the College of Arts and Sciences is responsible for nearly half of all credit hours earned by UA students. In 2024 alone, faculty members within the college secured $41.5 million in research grants, which represents a 42% increase compared to research funding accumulated over the preceding five years.
About J. Frank Barefield Jr.
J. Frank Barefield Jr. graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Alabama, and he later earned an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Barefield is the owner and president of Abbey Residential, LLC, a company that manages over $2.5 billion in assets. He co-owns the firm with Dr. Marnix Heersink, a notable figure who previously donated $100 million to the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. In addition to his contributions to UA, Barefield has also made a $10 million gift to UAB, which named its department of criminal justice and its entrepreneurship program in recognition of his support.
Community Involvement and Legacy
Beyond his contributions to higher education, Barefield plays an active role in his community as the board chair for Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama. He has also supported various local law enforcement initiatives. Recognizing the education he received from UA as foundational to his success, Barefield aims to help the university attract and retain top educators and students from around the world.
With over 55,000 alumni dispersed across all 50 states and 64 countries, the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences is poised to make an even greater impact on both local and global scales. Barefield and his wife, Barbi Breimann, reside in Vestavia Hills, where they continue to engage in initiatives supporting education and community development.
This remarkable donation not only signifies a commitment to education but also reinforces the importance of alumni support in shaping the future of the University of Alabama and its students.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama
- The Bama Buzz
- Google Search: University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Google Scholar: University of Alabama
- Business Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Alabama
- Patch
- Google News: University of Alabama donation
