The University of Alabama has named its College of Engineering in honor of Lee J. Styslinger Jr., following a $25 million gift commitment from his wife, Catherine Styslinger.
The Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering enrolls more than 5,500 students across seven departments, offering 14 undergraduate and 16 graduate degree programs. It is the third college on UA’s campus to be named.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Styslinger family for investing in our students’ future,” said UA President Peter J. Mohler. “This transformational gift empowers the College of Engineering to think bigger through education, research and innovation. Our graduates will turn knowledge into impact as they lead solutions to critical challenges in energy, manufacturing, space, mobility, data and AI — and this is only the beginning.”
The gift from the Styslinger family provides a discretionary endowment that will position the college at the forefront of engineering and computer science.
“The power of this endowment lies in its flexibility,” said Clifford L. Henderson, dean of the Styslinger College of Engineering. “With discretionary resources of this scale, we can respond quickly to opportunities, enhance the student experience, recruit outstanding faculty and so much more.”
A Birmingham native, Lee Styslinger Jr. pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at UA before leaving at the age of 19 to take over management of Alabama Truck Equipment Co. after his father, the company’s founder, passed away. Now known as Altec Inc., the company became a worldwide leader in providing equipment and services to the electric utility, telecommunications and tree care industries. Styslinger passed away in 2021.
“Lee was a humble man, but he would be so proud to know the college was being honored in his name,” said Catherine Styslinger. “He would have wanted other students to have the education that he received there.”
The Styslingers established the Altec/Styslinger Foundation in 1997, focusing on education and workforce development in the communities served by Altec.
