Tuscaloosa, Alabama, August 5, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama has received an impressive $35 million donation from alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr., leading to the renaming of its College of Arts and Sciences in his honor. The generous gift aims to bolster research and educational initiatives, supporting over 9,000 students enrolled in various programs. With the donation, the university seeks to enhance its academic reputation, attract top educators, and provide assistance to students in need. Additionally, the university is preparing for a busy summer, including a commencement ceremony for its graduates.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – University of Alabama Receives $35 Million Gift
The University of Alabama has announced a significant gift commitment of $35 million from alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr., which will enable the renaming of the College of Arts and Sciences to the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences. This donation positions the college as one of only two named colleges at the university.
The announcement of the gift coincided with a meeting of the UA System Board of Trustees on June 6, where the board approved both the donation and the college’s renaming. UA President Stuart R. Bell emphasized that Barefield’s generosity embodies the spirit of giving prevalent at the university. The donation will be used to create a fully discretionary endowment intended to advance research and educational initiatives within the college, which currently enrolls over 9,000 students across 80 majors, minors, concentrations, and graduate programs.
Impact of the Gift
The funds will be directed toward enhancing the college’s commitment to retain top scholars, support students confronting unexpected hardships, and invest in high-impact initiatives. Dr. Joseph P. Messina, the dean of the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences, remarked on the anticipated elevation in teaching excellence and research capabilities resulting from the support.
About J. Frank Barefield Jr.
J. Frank Barefield Jr. is a distinguished graduate of the University of Alabama, holding a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). As the owner and president of Abbey Residential, LLC, Barefield aims to enhance the university’s capacity to attract and retain top-tier educators and students on a global scale.
Upcoming Events at the University
In addition to this transformative gift, the University of Alabama is gearing up for a busy month. From August 9 to August 17, the university is expected to welcome thousands of potential sorority recruits, highlighting the vibrant student life on campus.
Furthermore, a summer commencement ceremony is scheduled for August 2 at 9 a.m. at Coleman Coliseum. The ceremony will honor 1,240 degree candidates from 48 states, 65 Alabama counties, and 38 countries, with the graduating class boasting an average GPA of 3.152. This class includes 237 first-generation college students, 23 military veterans, and eight active-duty service members. Security measures for the ceremony will include a clear bag policy and the use of metal detectors at entry points.
Comprehensive information about the commencement ceremony is available on the university’s graduation website, detailing webcast opportunities, campus maps, parking regulations, and accommodations for guests.
Noteworthy Sightings
In local news, Todd and Julie Chrisley were recently spotted in Alabama helping their son, Grayson, prepare for college at the University of Alabama. Grayson Chrisley, known for previously being on the Dean’s List for the 2025 spring semester, signifies another notable inclusion in the university’s academic community. This comes on the heels of the couple’s pardons granted by President Donald Trump earlier this year, following their prior incarceration related to a fraud scheme. They are also set to return to television with a new Lifetime series titled “The Chrisleys: Back to Reality.”
FAQ Section
What is the significance of the $35 million gift to the University of Alabama?
The gift allows for the renaming of the College of Arts and Sciences to the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences and creates a fully discretionary endowment aimed at enhancing research and educational initiatives.
How many students are enrolled in the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences?
The college presently enrolls over 9,000 students across 80 different majors, minors, concentrations, and graduate programs.
What are some of the benefits expected from the donation?
The donation will focus on attracting and retaining top educators and students, supporting students facing hardships, and advancing high-impact initiatives within the college.
When is the upcoming commencement ceremony?
The summer commencement ceremony is scheduled for August 2 at 9 a.m. at Coleman Coliseum.
What security measures will be in place during the commencement?
Attendees must comply with a clear bag policy and metal detectors will be utilized at entry points for security purposes.
Key Features of the Gift
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gift Amount | $35 million |
| New Name | J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences |
| Student Enrollment | Over 9,000 |
| Programs Offered | 80 majors, minors, concentrations, graduate programs |
| Donation Use | Endowment for research, education initiatives, support for scholars and students |
| Upcoming Events | Commencement on August 2 |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Bama Rush is Back
- Wikipedia: Sororities in the United States
- Tuscaloosa News: University of Alabama Summer Commencement
- Google Search: University of Alabama commencement
- Patch: University of Alabama Awards 1,240 Degrees
- Google Scholar: University of Alabama
- AL.com: Reality TV Stars Spotted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reality Television
- WVUA: University of Alabama Hosts Summer Commencement
- Google News: University of Alabama commencement
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