J. Frank Barefield Jr., owner of Abbey Residential LLC and a University of Alabama alumnus, had made a $35 million gift commitment to the University of Alabama. The College of Arts and Sciences will be named in his honor.
“Mr. Barefield’s remarkable generosity reflects the spirit of giving that defines the University of Alabama,” said UA President Stuart Bell. “His gift further elevates the College of Arts and Sciences, which educates thousands of students across disciplines and fosters excellence in research and creativity.”
Barefield’s gift provides the college with a fully discretionary endowment that will allow the college to launch innovative research projects, retain top scholars with support, intervene when students are facing unexpected hardships and invest in high-impact initiatives across the state.
“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,” said Barefield. “I am humbled and honored that the College of Arts and Sciences will forever bear my name.”
Jospeh Messina, dean of the J. Frank Barefield College of Arts and Sciences, said, “With this support, the college is poised to elevate its excellence in teaching, innovation, research and creative endeavors, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful impact and academic distinction.”
Barefield has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst. He also served four years in the U.S. Air Force and is supportive of several law enforcement initiatives. He co-owns real estate firm Abbey Residential with Marnix Heersink, for whom the UAB Heersink School of Medicine is named.
The Barefield College of Arts and Sciences enrolls more than 9,000 students across 80 majors, minors, concentrations and graduate programs. It is now one of only two colleges at the University of Alabama to be named.
