Community Engagement

Welcome to the UNA Foundation

The University of North Alabama Foundation supports UNA by helping secure and steward private gifts that strengthen the University and expand opportunities for students, faculty, programs, and the campus community.

Chartered in 1980, the UNA Foundation is a nonprofit, self-financed Alabama corporation established to operate within the framework of the University of North Alabama without state funds. The Foundation assists the University in acquiring external funding and serves as a receptor and steward of private gifts.

Because the UNA Foundation is qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, gifts made to the UNA Foundation may qualify for full charitable gift consideration.

Supporting UNA Through Private Giving

The UNA Foundation plays an important role in advancing the University’s mission by supporting philanthropic giving, donor stewardship, scholarships, academic programs, campus initiatives, and long-term institutional priorities.

Through the generosity of alumni, friends, businesses, and community partners, the Foundation helps create meaningful opportunities that benefit the UNA community today and for generations to come.

History of the UNA Foundation

The University of North Alabama Foundation was incorporated on October 23, 1980. The first Board of Directors consisted of Robert M. Guillot, then university president; Roy S. Stevens; and David C. Brown.

In 1990, Robert Potts became president and appointed Dr. Daniel Leasure as the first Acting Director of Development. The Foundation Bylaws were established in 1990 under President Potts’ leadership. In 1992, Dr. Ann Zarate became the first Executive Director of the Foundation.

Beginning in 2007, the Executive Director of the Foundation also held the position of Vice President of Advancement.

Foundation Leadership

The UNA Foundation is guided by leaders who help steward its mission, strengthen private support for the University, and support the continued growth of UNA.

Executive Directors

Kevin Haslam
2019–Present

Dr. Deborah Shaw ’82
2016–2019

Dr. Dan Hendricks
2012–2016

Dr. Alan Medders
2007–2012

Mr. H. Van Morgan, Jr.
2002–2007

Dr. Ann Zarate
1992–2002

Vice Presidents of Advancement

Kevin Haslam
2019–Present

Dr. Deborah Shaw ’82
2016–2019

Dr. Dan Hendricks
2012–2016

Dr. Alan Medders
2007–2012

Dr. Dan Howard
1997–2007

Dr. Daniel Leasure
1990–1997

Foundation Chairs

Mr. Jason Thomas
2021–Present

Mr. Harry Smith ’64
2016–2021

Dr. Ken Kitts
2015–2016

Dr. John Thornell
2014–2015

Dr. Bill Cale
2005–2014

Dr. Robert Potts
1990–2004

Dr. Robert Guillot
1980–1989

Foundation Board of Directors

The Foundation Board of Directors provides leadership and guidance for the UNA Foundation’s work to support the University through private giving and stewardship.

Board members include:

Judge Pamela W. Baschab
Christie Bevis ’97
Emry K. Bryan ’07
Tom Butler
Ashley Calcote ’08
Jeff Daniel ’85
Jamie Ellis ’08, Vice Chair
Debbie Garcia-Nowlin ’96
Tim Garner ’88
Mary Leigh Gillespie ’96
Lorri Glover ’90
Kevin Haslam, Executive Director and Secretary
Bonnie Jenkins ’90
Carnette Johnson ’83
Jamie Kiel ’97
Kenneth “Ken” Kitts, University President
Jacob Ladner ’10
Gregory Law ’86
Kyle Mangum ’08
Roman McLeod ’95
John McMurtrie ’88
Scott Milliet ’10
Becky Morris ’82
Dr. Carlos Nelson ’96
Steve Pierce ’75
Susanne Rallis ’06
Rod Robinson ’83
Thomas Ross ’80
Juan Santiago ’01, Chair
Johnny Simpson ’90
Stacy Suggs ’90
Evan Thornton ’15
Mike Washburn ’82, Treasurer
Andy Whitt, Emeritus Director
William “Bill” Cale

Associate Directors include:

Peggy Bush ’84
Bradley Browne ’10
Ryan Callahan ’10
Mike King ’82

Annual Giving Reports

The UNA Foundation Annual Giving Reports highlight the impact of donor support and private giving across the University.

Available annual reports include:

Foundation Annual Giving Report 2023–24
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2022–23
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2021–22
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2020–21
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2019–20
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2018–19
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2017–18
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2016–17
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2015–16
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2014–15
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2013–14
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2012–13
Foundation Annual Giving Report 2011–12

Give to UNA

Private gifts to the UNA Foundation support students, academic programs, scholarships, faculty excellence, campus initiatives, and the future of the University.

Donors who give through the UNA Foundation help strengthen the University’s ability to serve students and make a lasting impact across North Alabama and beyond.

[Donate Online]

Contact Information

Office of University Advancement
UNA Box 5113 | Rogers Hall256-765-4670

Kevin R. Haslam
VP for Advancement; Executive Director for UNA Foundation
khaslam@una.edu