News Summary
The University of Alabama has renamed its College of Arts and Sciences to the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences following a $35 million donation from alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr. This transformative contribution aims to enhance education quality, promote innovation, and support research, aligning with efforts to foster a vibrant academic environment.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama — The University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences has officially changed its name to the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences following a transformative $35 million donation from alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr. This significant naming change was approved by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees during their meeting on June 6. Barefield, a Birmingham-based developer, is recognized for his extensive philanthropic contributions and his commitment to advancing education at his alma mater.
In his role as a leader in real estate, Barefield oversees Abbey Residential, LLC, a multifamily real estate firm that manages more than $2.5 billion in assets. His generous donation creates a fully discretionary endowment for the college, enabling leadership to direct funds toward various initiatives aimed at enhancing education quality, promoting innovation, and supporting research endeavors.
Dealing specifically with educational improvements, Dean Joseph Messina of the college expressed that the gift will significantly boost excellence in teaching and other academic pursuits within the college, which enrolls over 9,000 students across 80 majors, minors, concentrations, and graduate programs. The J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences is now one of only two colleges at the University of Alabama to bear the name of a donor, joining the ranks of the Culverhouse College of Business.
The impact of Barefield’s donation extends beyond immediate financial support. It aligns with the college’s ongoing efforts to generate substantial research funding and foster a vibrant academic environment. In 2024 alone, the college secured over $41.5 million in research grants—a 42% increase compared to funding levels from previous years. Moreover, this college is a crucial component of the university, accounting for nearly half of all credit hours generated, making it fundamental to the institution’s overall mission.
J. Frank Barefield Jr. holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Alabama and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is also a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst, equipping him with the financial expertise that underpins his philanthropic decisions. His substantial commitment to higher education is further demonstrated by his philanthropic activities at UAB, including a $10 million donation that named its department of criminal justice and its entrepreneurship program.
Additionally, Barefield’s community engagement is evident through his support for local law enforcement initiatives, including the development of a police training center. His commitment to education and community service reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of learning and its impact on societal improvement.
In expressing appreciation for his education at the University of Alabama, Barefield underscored his desire that the funds be used to attract and retain top educators and students, thereby enriching the university’s academic fabric. He resides in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, with his wife, Barbi Breimann, and views the naming of the college after him as both an honor and a humbling experience that underscores his connection to the university.
The renaming of the college marks a significant chapter in the University of Alabama’s history, reflecting a broader culture of philanthropy and engagement with its alumni, as it seeks to advance educational opportunities and maintain its status as a leader in higher education.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Developer Makes $35 Million Gift to Alabama College
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama
- Business Alabama: UA College of Arts and Sciences Gets New Name
- Google Search: University of Alabama Arts and Sciences
- ABC3340: Alumnus Donates $35 Million to University of Alabama College
- Google Scholar: J. Frank Barefield Jr.
- The Bama Buzz: University of Alabama Renames College
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa Thread: UA Barefield Donation
- Google News: J. Frank Barefield Jr. donation
