J. Frank Barefield Jr., an alumnus, has made a significant contribution to the University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences with a $35 million donation.
The J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences accommodates over 9,000 students and offers a variety of 80 majors and minors, as well as intensive and graduate programs. It’s notable that two universities are currently named after the institution.
“Barefield’s remarkable generosity embodies the giving spirit of the University of Alabama,” remarked UA President Stuart R. Bell. “This contribution will significantly enhance the College of Arts and Sciences, benefiting thousands of students while also fostering excellence in research and creativity.”
The UA Systems Board of Directors sanctioned this donation and the naming of the college during their meeting on June 6. Board Chairman Scott Phelps expressed the Board’s gratitude for Barefield’s transformative impact on education within the UA system.
This gift gives the university discretion, allowing its leaders to “act swiftly, think creatively, and lead purposefully.”
- Seize emerging opportunities for innovative research
- Maintain high academic standards with competitive support
- Address challenges students may unexpectedly face
- Fund ambitious initiatives in Alabama and beyond
Dr. Joseph P. Messina, dean of the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences, stated, “This support will uplift our educational quality, foster innovation, and amplify our research and creative initiatives, all while reinforcing our dedication to academic distinction.” He added that Barefield’s belief in their mission is deeply appreciated, inspiring progress in the coming years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da3tnecllvu
About J. Frank Barefield Jr.
Barefield earned a Bachelor’s in Finance and an MBA from UAB. He is also a certified public accountant and financial analyst. Currently, he is the president and owner of Abbey Residential, LLC, a real estate company located in Birmingham, co-owned with Dr. Marnix E. Heersink, after whom the UAB Heersink School of Medicine is named. Barefield’s inspiration for his donation stems from wanting to help students “dream big,” reinforcing that anyone can achieve their ambitions.
“I’m immensely grateful for my education from the University of Alabama; it has been the cornerstone of my success,” Barefield reflected. “Through this gift, I aim to strengthen the university’s ability to attract and keep the best educators and students globally. It fills me with pride to have my name associated with the College of Arts and Sciences forever.”
After graduating from UA, Barefield served in the US Air Force for four years before exiting with the rank of captain. Notably, he also was a silver medalist at the 1974 World Powerlifting Championships.
Transitioning to the banking and finance sector, he worked as vice president and senior investment director at Southern National Bank and was a manager at the international accounting firm Arthur Young & Company. Currently, Barefield co-manages Abbey Residential, LLC, which oversees a portfolio valued over $2.5 billion.
He lives in Vestavia with his wife, Barbi Bryman.
Aside from supporting UA, Barefield is involved with Crime Stoppers in Alabama and contributes to various law enforcement initiatives, including naming a training center for the Hoover Police Department. He previously donated $10 million for the Criminal Justice Department and Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, UA’s sister institution.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Barefield said he is eager to see the influence of his philanthropy on his alma mater, which he considers one of the premier educational institutions.
“It’s a bit surreal that my name is connected to a school of this caliber,” he admitted.
About J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences
Each year, Barefield Arts and Sciences College provides nearly half of all the credit hours for UA students. The students, who are future artists, scientists, political leaders, and scholars, demonstrate remarkable achievements.
- 54% of pre-health graduates gain admission to medical schools, surpassing the national average by 18%.
- 85% of pre-law students get into law schools, with many attending top-tier institutions.
- Kate Herndon, a May 2025 graduate, was selected as one of 32 Rhodes Scholars nationwide.
- John Richardson, who graduated in May 2024, became the first UA alumnus appointed as a global scholar at Eisenhower.
The college also boasts a talented faculty from 22 different departments. In 2024, professors at the Barefield College secured a $41.5 million grant to support impactful research not just in Alabama but globally, marking a 42% increase in research funding over the past five years.
With more than 55,000 alumni spanning 64 countries and all 50 states, the college has a far-reaching impact.
About the Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign
The Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign stands as Alabama’s most successful capital campaign to date. The campaign reached its initial goal of $1.5 billion in February 2024, shortly before the announcement of an expanded target of $1.8 billion.
This initiative has facilitated over 1,150 new scholarships, established 68 new faculty support funds, and contributed to the construction of more than 500,000 square feet of campus facilities.
