The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UA System Trustees Statement Regarding UAB Fundraising
9/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | General
Kellee Reinhart
kreinhart@uasystem.ua.edu
205-792-4333
Official Statement (PDF)
Statements from UA System Trustees Regarding UAB Athletics Fundraising
Several members of The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and the leadership of the UAB Athletics Fundraising Campaign met recently in Birmingham to discuss future plans for the committee and UAB athletics. Trustees Karen Brooks and Ron Gray have released the following statements:
Statement by Trustee Ron Gray, Chairman of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees Finance Committee
The Board of Trustees and I greatly appreciate the willingness of the UAB Athletics fundraising campaign leaders to meet with some of our members, and we applaud and support the efforts and enthusiasm of these dedicated individuals. This fundraising committee has the full support of our board.
We and the fundraising committee agree that clear communication among us and with the public is essential to the success of this endeavor. All of our institutions face difficult challenges in managing the precious resources we receive from students and taxpayers.
Our Board and the fundraising committee recognize and endorse the UAB Administration's commitment that no more than the current $20 million per year of university funds will be allocated to athletics. The UAB Athletics Fundraising committee has committed to raise the money above that level necessary to fund this program going forward, to include the return of the football, bowling and rifle teams. The fundraising committee will also spearhead the campaign to raise $13- 15 million for upgraded facilities identified by President Watts as necessary to make UAB competitive in the long run. These tasks will not be easy. We pledge to assist this effort in any way we can and look forward to the campaign's success.
Statement by Karen Brooks, President Pro Tem of The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees
I want to join Ron Gray and our entire Board in thanking the Birmingham business leaders who have undertaken this important task for the future of UAB athletics. Under the guidance of fundraising committee chairman Hatton Smith, we expect this group to lead the effort. Despite the sometimes difficult debate of the past few months, if the result is a financially sound program, broadly supported by students, alumni and fans, then this process will have been a great success. We stand ready to support and assist in any way we can.
Report by Trustee Brooks on Meeting of UA System's UAB Liaison Committee
President Pro Tem Karen Brooks and UAB President Ray Watts have named a committee comprised of Birmingham leaders, Trustees and System officials to foster improved communication between the University System and the Birmingham community.
 Members of the committee are:
Charles Collat
Tony Davis

Boots Gale

Mike Goodrich, II
John D. McMahon
Kate Nielson
Charlie Perry
Clay Ryan
Wes Smith

Stan Starnes
Karen Brooks

Paul Bryant, Jr.
Barbara Humphrey
John D. Johns
Vanessa Leonard
Britt Sexton
Finis St. John
Allen Bolton
Michael Bownes
C. Ray Hayes
Ray Watts
Robert E. Witt
This committee met recently for the first time. Executive Vice Chancellor Ray Hayes gave a comprehensive overview of The University of Alabama System, its importance to the state, its economic impact, and its tremendous growth and success over the past 12 years.
The committee heard reports from President Watts and others about ongoing discussions by the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center and related entities regarding the possibility of a BJCC-owned, multipurpose athletic facility in the BJCC footprint. All were encouraged by and supportive of this potential project.
Trustee Britt Sexton reported on a meeting between trustees and the leadership of the UAB Athletics Fundraising Committee chaired by Hatton Smith. In that meeting, trustees and the committee carefully reviewed the status of fundraising efforts, future budget needs and the Smith group's commitment to raise all funds necessary to fund UAB athletics above the $20 million per year established by Dr. Watts as the maximum contribution to athletics that UAB will provide from academic resources.
Dr. Watts reconfirmed the necessity of limiting transfers to that amount and expressed great appreciation and optimism about the fundraising efforts. All committee members were in agreement and joined in congratulating the fundraising group for its success so far.
Mike Goodrich, II stated that he and others have begun to explore the possibility of forming a foundation to support UAB athletics.
