University of Alabama names College of Arts and Sciences after Frank Barefield's $35M donation

The University of Alabama Board of Trustees made headlines during their June 6 meeting by approving a significant resolution to name the College of Arts and Sciences after alumnus Frank Barefield, following his remarkable $35 million donation. This transformative gift will establish a fully discretionary endowment for the college, which serves over 9,000 students across 80 academic programs.

Dr. Bell presented the resolution, highlighting Barefield's longstanding commitment to education and philanthropy. "Today marks a truly transformational moment for our College of Arts and Sciences," he stated, emphasizing the impact of Barefield's generosity on current and future students. The college, which awards more credit hours than any other unit at the university, will now be known as the J. Frank Barefield College of Arts and Sciences.

Barefield, who co-founded Abbey Residential and has a history of supporting various educational initiatives, expressed his desire for the gift to inspire students to "dream big." His contributions have previously benefited the University of Alabama at Birmingham, showcasing his dedication to higher education across the state.

The board unanimously approved the resolution, with members acknowledging the profound implications of Barefield's gift for the university community. This naming not only honors Barefield's legacy but also reinforces the university's commitment to providing quality education and opportunities for its students.