Birmingham, Alabama, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business has been renamed the Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program after a $5 million donation from alumni Rance M. and Angie L. Sanders. This contribution will enhance educational opportunities for students and reflects a growing interest in real estate careers. The program will expand its offerings, including an undergraduate major, to meet rising demand.
Birmingham, Alabama – University of Alabama’s Real Estate Program Receives $5 Million Donation
The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business has been renamed the Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program following a generous $5 million donation from alumni Rance M. Sanders and Angie L. Sanders of Vestavia Hills. This significant contribution aims to enhance educational opportunities and practical learning experiences for students pursuing careers in real estate.
Rance M. Sanders serves as the president and CEO of The Sanders Trust, LLC, a firm that manages healthcare real estate across 30 states. With a focus on preparing the next generation of real estate professionals, the new program will provide an undergraduate major in addition to the existing minor, reflecting a growing interest and demand in the field.
Educational Enhancements and Opportunities
The donation will enable the program to expand experiential learning opportunities, offering students a comprehensive education in various aspects of real estate, including development, purchasing, selling, leasing, appraising, and management. Over the past five years, the Culverhouse College has witnessed a remarkable 300% increase in students pursuing a real estate minor, signaling a robust interest in real estate careers.
Since its inception, the Rance M. Sanders Endowed Real Estate Scholarship has been awarding approximately $7,500 annually to up to six deserving students each year. Established initially in 2007, this scholarship has played a crucial role in helping students finance their education and pursue their real estate ambitions.
Supportive Initiatives and Community Impact
According to statements from the Dean of the Culverhouse College of Business, Kay Palan, this new funding reflects Sanders’ long-standing commitment to education and his desire to support future generations of real estate professionals. The gift is part of the university’s Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign, which has already surpassed its $1.8 billion goal, with over a year remaining in the campaign timeline.
This shift in funding is indicative of a broader trend among donors responding to rising educational costs and diminishing legislative support for public colleges in Alabama. As education funds become more critical, these generous donations offer essential support to enhance educational programs at the University of Alabama.
Conclusion
The Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program at the University of Alabama represents a significant development in the institution’s commitment to providing quality education in an increasingly popular field. This program aligns with the growing demand for skilled professionals in real estate and reaffirms the university’s dedication to fostering student success through innovative educational offerings.
FAQ
What is the new name of the University of Alabama’s real estate program?
The University of Alabama’s real estate program has been named the Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program following a $5 million donation.
Who made the donation to the real estate program?
The donation was made by alumni Rance M. Sanders and Angie L. Sanders of Vestavia Hills.
How has student interest in real estate changed recently?
There has been a 300% increase in students pursuing a real estate minor at the Culverhouse College over the past five years.
What opportunities will the new program provide?
The new program will offer an undergraduate major and provide experiential learning opportunities in various real estate fields.
What is the Rance M. Sanders Endowed Real Estate Scholarship?
The scholarship was established in 2007 and awards approximately $7,500 annually to up to six students to help finance their education.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $5 million |
| New Program Name | Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program |
| Increased Student Interest | 300% increase in real estate minor |
| New Offerings | Undergraduate major & existing minor |
| Scholarship Amount | $7,500 awarded annually |
| Campaign Success | Part of Rising Tide 2.0, surpassed $1.8 billion goal |
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Additional Resources
- WVUA23 News
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Google Search: University of Alabama real estate program
- AL.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- ReBusiness Online
- Google News: Alabama real estate trends
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The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
