Alumnus’ $35 Million Gift to See UA College Renamed for Him

A $35 million gift from a University of Alabama alumnus will see its College of Arts and Sciences renamed in his honor, the Capstone announced Friday.

J. Frank Barefield is a CPA and financial analyst who graduated from UA and earned an MBA at UAB. He also owns a multifamily real estate firm in Birmingham, managing more than 2.5 billion in assets.

Not just a numbers and businessman, UA said Barefield made the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force and was also the 1974 world powerlifting silver medalist.

The Vestavia Hills resident made the incredible donation and UA thanked him by naming the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences in his honor.

“Mr. Barefield’s remarkable generosity reflects the spirit of giving that defines The University of Alabama,” UA President Stuart R. Bell said. “His gift further elevates the College of Arts and Sciences, which educates thousands of students across disciplines and fosters excellence in research and creativity.”

The money provides the college with an endowment to launch research initiatives, retain scholars, help students facing hardships and invest in relevant programs in the state.

“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,” Barefield said. “My goal with this gift is to assist the University in its ability to attract and retain the 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.”

“It’s a difficult thing to wrap your head around, that a school the size of The University of Alabama, and my name would somehow be associated with it,” he said.

UA said the College provides roughly half of all credit hours earned by students there and also houses incredibly successful pre-med and pre-law programs among its 22 departments.

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