New historical marker at Campus 805 honors UAH origins

Did you know that the first UAH classes were held at Campus 805?

A new historical marker has been placed at Campus 805 to honor the original 137 students + UAH’s progress, development + dedication to research over the years. On December 16, 2025, UAH representatives + supporters gathered to unveil the marker. It was a true celebration of history + future plans.

“I couldn’t understand why there wasn’t already a marker in place. This is an important historic development for the city and its progress.”

_{UAH supporter + marker donor, Barbara Wadsworth}

UAH’s origins

The university originated as a branch of a larger institution, but soon was able to claim ownership of itself:

“We started as a research entity, an extension center of The University of Alabama.

In 1969, we became our own university.”

_{UAH President, Charles Karr}

UAH joined the UA system in 1949 when UA approved the creation of the University of Alabama-Huntsville Center.

“Today UAH has almost 9,000 students, but we’ve held true to that mission of research. Last year our faculty and staff conducted about $160 million in externally funded research. This research helps us produce outstanding graduates who provide the workforce for people here in Huntsville.”

_{UAH President, Dr. Charles Karr}

Here are some of the University’s goals for 2026 + the future ahead:

• Completion of the Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building | Expected summer 2026
• Renovating the Bevill Center for the new Center for Cybersecurity Research, Education & Advanced Training
• Building UAH’s very first Track + Field Complex
• Redeveloping the former Executive Plaza site into Exploration Plaza with residence, office + research buildings in the first phase

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