The University of North Alabama (UNA) College of Business and Technology on Thursday announced that it had received a $2.45 million charitable gift from the estate of late Henry and Janice King, which is the largest gift in the college’s history.

According to UNA, the donation will be utilized to establish the Henry and Janice King Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Dr. Gregory Carnes, dean of UNA’s College of Business and Technology, stated that the King family’s donation would hold a long-lasting impact on the university.

“I am grateful for the generosity of the King family. This monumental gift will have a tremendous impact on UNA business students for years to come,” said Carnes. “The funds will provide scholarships to students who may not otherwise have the financial means to further their education. This generous gift will ensure that many UNA business and technology students can pursue an affordable education, which will transform their lives and the future of their family members.”

Henry King, who passed in 2014, was a Shoals area businessman and served as founder and president of King Realty and Auction Company Inc. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from UNA in business administration. King was a recipient of the UNA Alumni of the Year award, served as chairman for the UNA President’s Cabinet and UNA Foundation Board, and was an instructor for economics in the business school.

King’s wife, Janice, passed away in 2020. She was a graduate of Florence State College and held a bachelor’s degree in economics.