UAB alumnus gives $10 million to school, one-half earmarked for entrepreneurship
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has announced the largest single gift from an alumnus in the institution’s history, and one-half of the $10 million will fund a new, named entrepreneurship program.
J. Frank Barefield Jr., President of Abbey Residential and Chairman of Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, has committed $5 million to name the UAB J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Entrepreneurship Program in the Collat School of Business and the balance to name the UAB J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Arts and Sciences.
In continuing to propel the ever-growing entrepreneurship program in the Collat School, the gift will help the program and, in turn, Birmingham continue to serve as a catalyst for dynamic growth, offer a first-rate education to Birmingham residents, incubate new ventures in growth industries, and create new jobs that will make waves in the city and beyond.
“I thought it was time I started helping others — UAB is where I received my MBA, and I am very appreciative of the benefits obtaining that degree has provided me,” Barefield said. “It is a real sense of accomplishment to get an education and use what one learned to give back to one’s alma mater. Our economy and our standard of living depend upon business — both existing businesses and the creation of new businesses, which create opportunities for everyone to work and make a better and more rewarding life for their families. The more people can give to educational institutions which will expand the new business horizon, the better.”
