University of North Alabama
Harrison Plaza at the University of North Alabama in Florence. The school was chartered as LaGrange College by the Alabama Legislature in 1830.
Located in Florence, Alabama, the University of North Alabama (UNA) proudly holds the title of the state’s earliest public university.
The Memorial Amphitheater, one of UNA’s most prominent landmarks, the focal point of the university’s grassy commons and the site of pep rallies, lectures and live performances.
Nestled on a 130-acre campus in a residential area of Florence, UNA forms part of a four-city region that includes Tuscumbia, Sheffield, and Muscle Shoals, with a total population of approximately 140,000.
Coby Hall houses the university’s Admissions Office.
Willingham Hall is one of several buildings on campus built by the Works Projects Administration in the 1930s.
The Phi Gamma Delta House, which has functioned longer as a fraternity house than any other house on the UNA campus.
Established in 1830 as LaGrange College, the university initially functioned as one of nearly 180 “normal schools” created across the 19th century United States to train teachers for burgeoning public schools. Over time, these institutions, including UNA, evolved into state colleges and eventually state universities.
The Pi Kappa Alpha House, constructed in 1985, occupies a prominent place on UNA’s Fraternity Row.
The Kilby Laboratory School was constructed in 1922 and named in honor of then-Alabama Governor Thomas K. Kilby. The building still functions as a lecture hall. UNA has the only university-owned and operated elementary laboratory school in the state of Alabama.
In 1872, it re-emerged as the first state-supported teacher’s college south of the Ohio River and became one of the early coeducational institutions in the U.S.
Historic Wesleyan Hall, one of the most familiar sites on the campus of University of North Alabama. Used by both Union and Confederate armies during the U.S. Civil War. The 130-year-old Wesleyan Bell (foreground) tolled frequently throughout the late 19th century, summoning Florence Normal School students to class.
Keller Hall, constructed in 1947, serves as headquarters for the university’s College of Business & Technology.
LaGrange College, initially based in Colbert County, was later relocated to Florence and became Florence Wesleyan University in 1855. This institution underwent various transformations, particularly during and after the Civil War, to finally be known as the University of North Alabama.
Powers Hall.
Named after one of UNA’s presidents, the sprawling Guillot University Center constitutes the hub of UNA student life.
Moreover, throughout its history, UNA has been at the forefront of several educational milestones, including the establishment of a unique elementary laboratory school in Alabama, and it has produced distinguished alumni such as generals and governors.
Harrison Plaza, official entrance to the University of North Alabama. In the background is 601 Cramer Way, the University’s main administrative building.
The present-day UNA is an embodiment of its rich historical legacy, boasting modern facilities and a picturesque campus that resonates with its past.
UNA’s Panhellenic Residence is located in Appleby East and West Halls.
Furthermore, the university’s commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive education is evident in its wide range of academic offerings across several colleges, providing students with a diverse choice of programs. Additionally, its student body is a reflection of the institution’s global outreach, hosting a significant number of international students from various countries.
Keller Hall.
The monument marking the site of LaGrange College.
Comprehensive Review?
Rogers Hall, another distinctive UNA landmark, functioned as a Confederate command post during the U.S. Civil War.
The University of North Alabama stands out as a historical and educational landmark in Alabama, offering a unique blend of rich history and modern education. Its evolution from a 19th-century normal school to a contemporary university reflects its adaptability and commitment to growth.
Walkway, facing toward Guillot Center.
With its broad academic programs, inclusive environment, and active community engagement, UNA offers a dynamic and nurturing educational experience. Its emphasis on teacher training, coeducational advancement, and international diversity make it a notable institution in the landscape of American higher education.
18th-century Japanese Lantern.
