UNA renames College of Education and Human Sciences after Spencer family donation

The University of North Alabama’s College of Education and Human Sciences now has a new name after a recent gift from the Spencer family.

James “Jim” Spencer and his wife, Sherry, have established an endowment for UNA’s College of Education and Human Sciences to name the College the Colonel (Ret.) James and Sherry Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences.

“This is a way to give back because I had such a wonderful career in teaching. I also never lost ties with UNA or with teaching. From a short time after receiving my tenure until the year I retired, I has UNA student interns in my classroom. And my doors were always open to professors who wanted to bring their students in order to do clinicals in the classroom. This is my way of giving back to what gave me the career I loved so much.”

Sherry Spencer, Class of 1970 with Bachelor’s in Education

The university’s board of trustees unanimously approved the gift earlier this month. A dedication ceremony is expected to happen in 2026.

Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences

Sherry Spencer graduated from the university in 1970 with a Bachelor’s in Education and received her Master’s in 1972.

She spent the majority of her career teaching fifth-grade in the Florence City Schools system. She says her greatest pride now is in encountering her students as they have grown into successful adults.

“I love going places in the area and seeing my students and what they have become. They may recognize me and then share with me what they have been doing with their lives. Maybe they own a business or have done something else incredible with their lives. It is what really matters to me.”

Sherry Spencer

Sherry’s connections with UNA through the College have become a bit of a family legend for the Spencers. In fact, many family members dating back to the early 1940s have earned education degrees from UNA.

“Sherry has always been very professional in teaching, and she always wanted to achieve the highest. She is very passionate about teaching and UNA, and so am I. UNA is a great school, and it has great programs in education, nursing, and business. We are biased because of the College of Education, and we wanted to do this because Sherry has dedicated her life to teaching and training future educators.”

Jim Spencer

Dr. Katie Kinney, Dean of the College, said that this naming will have lasting, positive effects on all students who study to become educators.

“Jim and Sherry Spencer truly embody the very best of service and leadership. It is especially fitting that their legacy lives on in the College of Education and Human Sciences where service and leadership are at the core of who we are and what we do. Their generosity sends a clear message to our students: what you are preparing to do with your life and your career matters, and your work is worth investing in.”

Dr. Katie Kinney, Dean of the College

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