News Summary
The University of Alabama has named its College of Arts and Sciences after alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr. following a generous $35 million donation. This endowment will support various initiatives, including student aid and research. Currently home to over 9,000 students, the college aims to enhance educational excellence and innovation, reflecting Barefield’s commitment to the university. His previous philanthropic efforts have further contributed to educational programs and community safety initiatives, underscoring the profound impact of his support.
Birmingham, AL – The University of Alabama has officially named its College of Arts and Sciences after alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr. following his substantial $35 million donation. This endowment, approved by the UA System Board of Trustees on June 6, reflects Barefield’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape of the university.
The generous gift will create a fully discretionary endowment for the college’s leadership to allocate for various initiatives, including research, faculty retention, and student support. This support aims to assist students facing unforeseen hardships and help the college attract innovative educators and ambitious students from around the globe. The newly designated J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences currently enrolls over 9,000 students across 80 different majors, minors, concentrations, and graduate programs, establishing itself as a vital part of the university’s academic community.
University President Stuart Bell lauded Barefield’s generosity as an embodiment of the institution’s spirit of giving. This endowment will contribute to the college’s mission to foster excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, enhancing the educational experiences of both students and faculty alike.
The College of Arts and Sciences holds a significant position within the University of Alabama, being one of only two colleges on campus named after an individual. The college is home to approximately 55,000 alumni distributed across all 50 states and 64 countries, underscoring its widespread impact on the academic community.
J. Frank Barefield Jr. is not only a graduate of the University of Alabama, holding a bachelor’s degree in finance but also possesses an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst, Barefield is a successful entrepreneur and co-owner of Abbey Residential LLC, a multi-family real estate firm based in Birmingham. The firm’s portfolio is currently valued at over $2.5 billion, reflecting Barefield’s considerable success in the real estate sector.
In addition to his recent gift, Barefield has made previous philanthropic contributions, including a $10 million donation to UAB that helped establish a named department of criminal justice and entrepreneurship program. His philanthropic ventures extend into law enforcement, with initiatives aimed at establishing a police training center in Hoover, Alabama, emphasizing his commitment to community safety and training.
During his four-year service in the U.S. Air Force, Barefield gained valuable experiences that shaped his professional trajectory. He expressed gratitude for the education he received at the University of Alabama, crediting it as a foundational element of his success. With this latest gift, he aims to not only bolster the college’s offerings but also enhance its reputation on a global scale.
As the college looks ahead, the impact of this $35 million endowment is expected to be significant. In 2024 alone, faculty members within the college generated $41.5 million in research grants, representing a 42% increase over the previous five years. This growth highlights the college’s potential to continue its trajectory of academic excellence, innovation, and research capability.
The administration has underscored that the support from Barefield’s donation will enhance the college’s ability to foster an environment conducive to innovation and exemplary educational outcomes, making it a promising future for its students and faculty.
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Additional Resources
- The Bama Buzz
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama
- ABC 33/40
- Google Search: University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Google Scholar: J. Frank Barefield Jr.
- Patch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
- The Crimson White
- Google News: J. Frank Barefield Jr. donation
