University of North AL receives $6.5M—largest gift in institution’s history

The University of North Alabama is celebrating a huge gift—$6.5 million! This is the largest gift the institution’s received in its almost 200-year history. Find out whose behind the donation and what it means for the school.

Who’s behind the incredible gift?

Put your hands together for the Charles C Anderson family. The family’s gift was given to UNA’s academics and athletics programs with $1M specifically earmarked for the women’s athletic programs in memory of Hilda B. Anderson.

You may recognize the name—she’s the namesake for UNA’s softball stadium.

Hilda B. Anderson has a long history of supporting the women’s athletics programs of UNA—particularly UNA softball and their Head Coach, Ashley Cozart. After Hilda passed away in March 2020, her sons wanted to honor her memory.

“[Hilda] was very passionate about the women’s athletic programs at UNA, and she wanted to ensure they had the necessary funding. Our sons, Charlie, Terry, Clyde, and Harold, wanted to honor her and her legacy with this gift.”

Charles C. Anderson, Anderson family patriarch

What does the gift mean to UNA?

“This transformative gift by the Anderson Family makes clear that UNA is a great philanthropic investment. It will change the lives of our students, faculty, and staff throughout all areas of campus as we continue to serve the Shoals and the Northwest Alabama region.”

Dr. Ken Kitts, President, University of North Alabama

Congrats, UNA! We hope this gift leads to great things.

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