FLORENCE – Through a generous gift to the University of North Alabama, 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 retired Col. 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,” said Sherry Spencer who graduated from UNA in 1970 with her bachelor’s in education and a master’s in 1972. “I also never lost ties with UNA or with teaching. From a short time after receiving my tenure until the year I retired, I had 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.”
UNA’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the gift at its most recent quarterly meeting and indicated it was a remarkable example of philanthropy.
“This gift provides a lasting legacy to the college and to the university,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “The Spencers have experienced first-hand the value of a UNA education and how it can create not just professional success but a bridge to the future and educators-in training.
“It is an honor to be able to name the college for them and their extraordinary generosity.”
Sherry Spencer spent the majority of her career teaching fifth-grade in the Florence City Schools system.
She said 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,” she said. “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’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,” said Jim Spencer. “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.”
Dr. Katie Kinney, dean of the college, said the 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,” Kinney said. “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. The impact of their gift will be felt in every child, every family, and every community in which our graduates live and serve.
“The Spencers’ legacy of service and leadership is a powerful example of the difference our graduates can make in the world.”
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