The University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences will now be named for Frank Barefield Jr., a Birmingham developer who has committed $35 million to his alma mater.

“Mr. Barefield’s remarkable generosity reflects the spirit of giving that defines The University of Alabama,” UA President Stuart Bell said in a news release. “His gift further elevates the College of Arts and Sciences, which educates thousands of students across disciplines and fosters excellence in research and creativity.”

The UA System Board of Trustees approved the gift and the college’s naming at its June 6 meeting. Barefield’s gift will also support the following efforts:

• Launching innovative research
• Retaining top scholars with competitive support
• Intervening when students face unexpected hardships
• Investing in bold, high-impact initiatives across Alabama and beyond

Dean Joseph Messina said the gift will help the college “elevate its excellence in teaching, innovation, research and creative endeavors.”

The college enrolls over 9,000 students across 80 majors, minors, concentrations and graduate programs.

Barefield, who holds a finance degree from the university, co-owns and manages Abbey Residential, LLC, a real estate firm in Birmingham. His partner at the firm is Dr. Marnix Heersink, who recently committed $100 million to the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Their property portfolio holds more than $2.5 billion in assets.

Barefield has also made a gift of $10 million to name UAB’s department of criminal justice and its entrepreneurship program.

He is the board chair for Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama and has supported numerous local law enforcement efforts, including a state-of-the-art police training center in Hoover.

Barefield and his wife Barbi Breimann live in Vestavia Hills.

“I am very appreciative of the education I received from The University of Alabama as it has been the foundation of whatever success I have achieved,” Barefield said in a news release. “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. I am humbled and honored that the College of Arts and Sciences will forever bear my name.”