UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts, left, and Vice President for Advancement Kevin Haslam unveil they Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign fundraising goal to-date, which has exceeded it's $100 million goal.

Shine On, Gold Comprehensive Campaign Exceeds $100 Million Goal; Six Weeks Remaining to Give a Gift

Aug. 18, 2026



Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392

FLORENCE, AL – The Shine On, Gold Comprehensive Campaign to raise $100 million for the University of North Alabama has announced it has exceeded its goal and continues to fundraise until the official conclusion at the end of September. With six weeks remaining in the campaign, the goal has been met and exceed at $104,353,440 raised.

“This is an historic day in the life of our institution,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “The $100 million goal, while ambitious, proved within reach of our generous donors, who were with us each step of the way and who supported UNA broadly across each of the seven stated priorities that will have a long-term, positive effect on the University.”

The Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign launched publicly on Sept. 29, 2023, as part of the Homecoming Celebration. During the event, the campaign’s seven priorities, along with their individual goals were announced. They are:

  • Phase II of the Fine and Performing Arts Enhancement Plan. Its stated goal of $1 million has been met and exceeded at $1,990,498.30, or 199 percent of goal.
  • Student Scholarships. Its stated goal of $15 million has been met and exceeded at $24,127,052.77, or 161 percent of goal.
  • Presidential Scholars Program. Its stated goal of $6 million has been met and exceeded at $6,365,034.23, or 106 percent of goal.
  • Bank Independent Stadium. Its stated goal of $30 million has been met and exceeded at $30,774,465.79, or 103 percent of goal.
  • Aubrey and Annie Loonie ROAR Access Center. Its stated $1 million has been met and exceeded at $1,404,128.10, or 140 percent of goal.
  • The 1830 Fund. Its stated goal of $3 million has raised, to date, $2,824,504.22.
  • Donor-directed Purposes. Its stated goal of $44 million has raised, to date, $36,867,756.65.

“The response from our donors has been truly remarkable,” said Kevin Haslam, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the UNA Foundation. “The UNA family – our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends – are truly exceptional people, and the Shoals, in fact, all of North Alabama, is truly a special place. This campaign has been, and will continue to be, truly transformational in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff We could not be more grateful.”

The previous campaign concluded in the Spring of 2018; it raised $36,708,435. A few short years later, in 2021, the Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign was launched in a quiet phase after University officials met with key supporters to determine the priorities and the fundraising goals attached to them. With today’s announcement of $104 million raised, the current campaign has exceeded all previous fundraising records at UNA.

In addition to the total goal being met, Haslam said Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign would officially conclude September 30, with a campaign celebration is scheduled for September 18.

“There is still time for those who have not participated in the campaign to do so,” Haslam said. “Our greatest desire is for everyone to know they are wanted and welcome and that their generosity will make a difference.”

All donors who give a gift of $100 ore more will be recognized on the Campaign Donor Wall.

About The University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I and United Athletic conference. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: www.una.edu and www.una.edu/unaworks/.