Get ready to cheer, ChumCity! Alumnus J. Frank Barefield Jr. just dropped a whopping $35 MILLION on The University of Alabama's College of Arts and Sciences! That's right, folks, it's now officially the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences – one of only two colleges at UA with a named status. This massive gift isn't just about bragging rights; it's about POWERING the future! With over 9,000 students exploring 80+ fields, this endowment means the college can: "This support allows the College to aim higher in teaching, research, innovation, and creative efforts," says Dr. Joseph P. Messina, dean of the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences. "Mr. Barefield’s belief in our work affirms our mission." Barefield is a UA finance grad, a CPA, and the president of Abbey Residential, LLC. He's also passionate about giving back. His goal? To help UA students "dream big" because, according to him, "anyone can achieve their goals." He's a former Air Force captain and a powerlifting silver medalist. Talk about a renaissance man! He's also dedicated to law enforcement initiatives and has supported UAB's criminal justice and entrepreneurship programs. Did you know the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences provides nearly HALF of all credit hours for UA students? And get this: With 55,000 alumni worldwide, this college is making waves. This gift comes during the "Rising Tide 2.0" campaign, which has already blown past expectations, raising over $1.8 billion for UA! Get ready for some serious progress, ChumCity! This is HUGE for UA and our community!HUGE News for UA Arts & Sciences!
Why This Is a Game Changer
What the Dean is Saying
Who is J. Frank Barefield Jr.?
A Little More About Mr. Barefield
Arts & Sciences: Numbers Don't Lie!
Rising Tide 2.0
