In a monumental move that will forever change the landscape of the University of Alabama, Birmingham developer Frank Barefield Jr. has pledged a staggering $35 million to rename the College of Arts and Sciences in his honor. This extraordinary gift is a testament to Barefield’s deep appreciation for the university and his commitment to empowering future generations.
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved the gift and the college’s naming at its June 6 meeting, paving the way for a new era of excellence in teaching, innovation, research, and creative endeavors. According to UA President Stuart Bell, Barefield’s remarkable generosity “reflects the spirit of giving that defines The University of Alabama.” This gift will further elevate the College of Arts and Sciences, which educates thousands of students across disciplines and fosters excellence in research and creativity.
With over 9,000 students enrolled across 80 majors, minors, concentrations, and graduate programs, the College of Arts and Sciences is poised to make a lasting impact on the academic and professional trajectories of its students. Barefield’s gift will enable the college to launch innovative research initiatives, attract and retain top scholars with competitive support, provide critical support to students facing unexpected hardships, and invest in bold, high-impact initiatives that will benefit Alabama and beyond.
Barefield’s philanthropic efforts are not new to the University of Alabama. He has also donated $10 million to UAB’s department of criminal justice and entrepreneurship program, demonstrating his commitment to supporting initiatives that drive positive change. As the board chair for Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, Barefield has supported numerous local law enforcement initiatives, including a state-of-the-art police training center.
Barefield’s business acumen and success are evident in his role as co-owner and manager of Abbey Residential, LLC, a real estate firm in Birmingham with a portfolio holding over $2.5 billion in assets. His partner, Dr. Marnix Heersink, recently committed $100 million to the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, further solidifying their impact on the state’s educational institutions.
In expressing his gratitude for the education he received from the University of Alabama, Barefield said, “I am very appreciative of the education I received from The University of Alabama as it has been the foundation of whatever success I have achieved.” His goal with this gift is to assist the university in its ability to attract and retain top educators and students from around the world. “I am humbled and honored that the College of Arts and Sciences will forever bear my name,” Barefield added. As the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences takes shape, it’s clear that this gift will leave an indelible mark on the University of Alabama’s history. With this transformative gift, the university is poised to reach new heights of excellence, empowering students, faculty, and the broader community for generations to come.
