The University of North Alabama, or UNA as it is commonly referred
to, is located just north of downtown Florence on a campus spread out
over more than 100 acres. What was originally a state teacher's
college has developed into a modern day university with colleges of
education, business, nursing, and liberal arts. It has a student
population of over 5,000.
At one time, city streets ran through the heart of the UNA campus.
A project began in 2000 to take up the streets and replace them with
pedestrian walkways. Now complete, they have helped make UNA one of
the most beautiful college campuses in the state of Alabama. Also
added around the same time was a large fountain at the University's
main entrance, hand crafted in Italy. Also, a new home was built for
the live lion mascots that live on campus, Leo III and Una. This is
the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat.
More projects are planned for the future, including a new student
recreation center, new dormitories, and a new bell tower. UNA
continues to be one of the fastest growing universities in Alabama.
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University of North Alabama
Harrison Plaza
These are the buildings that surround
the Laura M. Harrison Plaza, moving clockwise around the plaza.
Here we are, at the University of North Alabama's main entrance.
This is the Laura M. Harrison Plaza. The fountain was completed in
2002; it was hand crafted in Italy, and presented to the University
as a gift from Mrs. Harrison. Behind the fountain is Bibb Graves
Hall, named after a former governor of the state of Alabama. The
building contains the University's admissions office, president's
office, plus various classrooms. It was built in 1930.
Bibb Graves again, from a closer distance.
This is looking down the pedestrian walkway to the right of Bibb
Graves. Morrison Avenue used to follow this path. To the left is
Bibb Graves, and up ahead to the left is Collier Library. To the
right, out of view is Willingham Hall.
The George H. Carroll Lion Habitat. UNA is the only school of any
kind to have live lion mascots on campus, with Leo III and Una. The
habitat was extensively remodeled after Leo II died in 2000. The
decision was also made to have a second, female lion to be a
companion to Leo III. The cubs came to UNA in April 2003.
The President's Mansion. The Georgian-style house was built in 1941
by the Works Project Administration. It often hosts university
receptions, as well as guests of the university.
As you can see, the mansion sits very close to Harrison plaza.
A nice view looking back at the fountain. For perspective, Bibb
Graves is on the right, with the lion habitat and the president's
mansion to the left.
Back to the front of the fountain now. This is looking to the left
of Bibb Graves, down the path the former Wesleyan Avenue took. It has
been replaced by the main walkway through campus.
University of North Alabama
Old Morrison Avenue
Morrison Avenue used to begin at
Seminary Street in front of Bibb Graves Hall, and ran north about 1/4
of a mile to Wood Avenue. These are the buildings along the walkway
that replaced it.
Collier Library. It was built in 1939 and named after Dr. C.B.
Collier, a dean of what was then Florence State Teachers College.
Its five floors contain over 300,000 books. There's also a computer
lab on the main floor.
Willingham Hall. This site was the location of a girls school in the
1800s named Lafayette Academy. Willingham was built in 1939, and
was originally used as a mens dormitory. Today it houses the
offices for English as well as history and political science. It's
named for Dr. Henry J. Willingham, president of the university from
1913 to 1938.
Wesleyan Hall and Annex. When LaGrange College was first established
in Florence in the 1800s, this building housed the entire University.
Later, the name of the school was changed to Florence Wesleyan
College, and that is why the building still bears the Wesleyan name.
Today it is home of classrooms, plus offices for history and
geography.
University of North Alabama
The Heart of Campus
Through the heart of campus runs a
winding pedestrian walkway, lined with buildings, gardens, and
memorials.
This is looking down the walkway from the steps of Bibb Graves. The
walkway takes the place of Wesleyan Avenue, which used to run
through campus on this path. The building on the left is the Robert
M. Guilott University Center, or the student center.
A few steps down the walkway from Bibb Graves, you will see the
Victory Garden on the right side. There's a lion statue and the
victory flame which is supposed to always stay lit... but the last
time I checked, it wasn't. I'm not sure why.
From the Victory Garden, this is looking back up the walkway. This
is Keller Hall, named for Dr. James A Keller, a former university
president. Keller Hall contains the entire School of Business
within its walls.
This is a memorial of some kind, on a median in the center of the
walkway. When I get a chance, I will get back to the site and find
out exactly who or what the memorial is dedicated to.
This is the Stone Lodge, or "Leo's Lodge" as it is known sometimes.
It was built in 1939 and intended as a student lodge. Over the
years it has served many purposes, including being the home of the
Pride of Dixie marching band, before the music building was
completed. Today it has a classroom in the basement and a meeting
room up top. I love the tree in this shot. Also, next door is
Floyd Hall, the science building, and the greenhouse out in front.
Lafayette Hall, across from the Stone Lodge and next to the Guillot
Center. It serves as an upperclassmen, co-ed dormitory. It is named
for the former Lafayette Academy.
Powers Hall, which sits next to Lafayette Hall on a hill
overlooking Pine Street. It is a co-ed dormitory for honor students.
At the end of the walkway sits an old English style street clock.
Behind it, across Circular Road, is Lagrange Hall. It is a
dormitory for women. Behind it you can see one of the "twin towers"
on campus, Rivers Hall, a dorm for men. To the far right is the
parking deck.
One more look at the clock. Behind it is Floyd Hall, and over to
the left is another look at the parking deck.
University of North Alabama
Other Pictures
A view of the memorial amphitheater in summertime. This is looking
across the way to the Guillot Center. The amphitheater is the site
of various activities, such as ceremonies, speeches, and plays. It
was built in 1934 as a memorial to World War I veterans.
Another pic of the amphitheater. This is one of my personal
favorites.
Coby Hall, which houses the office for continuing education. The
Greek revival mansion also hosts receptions, meetings, and other
university functions. The house was originally built in 1834, and
was donated to the university in memory of Coby Stockard Brubaker.
A night shot, looking at the fountain and the front of Bibb Graves
Hall at twilight.
University of North Alabama
Leo III and Una
These are pictures of UNA's two
live lion mascots, Leo III and Una.
A young Leo III. This shot was taken just weeks after Leo and Una
had arrived at the university, in April 2003.
Five months later, Leo has definitely grown some.
You know what he's thinking here, don't you? "Mmmmmm... steak".
Here is a cute shot of Leo and Una. Una is standing, Leo is laying
down here.
Hey kids! Play nice now!
Finally, a shot from November 2003. That's Leo playing with the big
orange ball.
Copyright 2003, 2004
Last updated January 17, 2004
