[Assistant Editor's Note: The following excerpt features J. Frank Barefield Jr. (Alpha Phi/Alabama 1966). It was originally featured on the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences blog.]

Introducing the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts & Sciences

J. Frank Barefield Jr. in front of Clark Hall, home of the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts & Sciences.

As a University of Alabama student in 1966, J. Frank Barefield Jr. walked across the Quad on his way to class, wondering if he would still be there the next year, the year after that, and all the way to graduation. He never could have imagined he would sit down with UA leadership more than 50 years after earning his degree to discuss a historic gift.

Decades later, his journey returned to where it began, this time with a new purpose to inspire future generations. Barefield’s vision took on new dimensions after meeting with College of Arts & Sciences Dean Joseph Messina and Criminology & Criminal Justice department chair Adam Lankford. Their conversation sparked a deeper ambition to ensure that every student in the College of Arts & Sciences could experience the same impactful journey Barefield had as a UA student.

Today, Barefield’s legacy has been cemented at the Capstone with a $35 million commitment to the College of Arts & Sciences. With this momentous gift, the College has been renamed the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts & Sciences. 

Read the full story here.