Longtime benefactor Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr. has gifted the first endowment to support The University of Alabama School of Leadership and Policy through the Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr. Endowed Professorship in Leadership and Policy.
Culverhouse’s $500,000 gift will help the School attract and retain nationally recognized scholars and experts in public policy and leadership. The endowment is pending approval by The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees in February.
UA announced the establishment of the School of Leadership and Policy on Nov. 7. The School will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of public policy and leadership starting fall 2027.
Culverhouse said he’s excited to support the School because of its mission to prepare students to become effective leaders, policymakers and public servants who will serve the state of Alabama and beyond. He said the leadership former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (Ala.) and current U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (Ala.), both UA alumni, have displayed in Washington, D.C. also inspired him to invest in the School.
“To see the announcement and hear Senator Britt’s speech, that really excited me because (the School) has the promise of changing the world for the better,” he said. “It’s an honor to invest in the future of the School and have the first endowed gift – it won’t be the last.”
The School’s interdisciplinary, practice-oriented education will prepare students to engage in civic life and government by focusing on foundational principles that shape laws and discourse. Through internships and community projects, they will encounter diverse viewpoints and organizations, gaining the skills needed to tackle complex challenges and develop effective solutions.
“This is a school where you’re emphasizing thoughtfulness and solutions,” Culverhouse said, “and that appeals to me tremendously. And it will also put intelligent, well-trained people into government.”
“I see the need for this school tremendously, and it’s striking to me that there aren’t more of these schools across the country.”
A legacy of support
Culverhouse’s endowed professorship at the UA School of Leadership and Policy continues nearly 13 years of charitable giving across UA’s campus, now totaling more than $20 million.
He and his wife, Eliza, were recognized in 2023 for their generous support of the Capstone as founding members of the 1831 Society, one of UA’s highest honors bestowed on individuals who have given $5 million or more to the University.
“Hugh and Eliza are an incredible example of generosity,” said Vice President for Advancement Bob Pierce. “For their philanthropy to the University to cross the $20 million mark, and for it to have touched so many areas of campus, is truly remarkable. We are grateful to have them in the UA family.”
The Culverhouses, who reside in Coral Gables, Florida, have supported the Culverhouse College of Business, which carries his father’s namesake, by funding endowments to support programs, faculty and scholarships. Their support of the College includes the Eliza and Hugh F. Culverhouse Endowed Student Assistance Scholarship, which has awarded more than $2.8 million to 227 students, known as “Two Iron Club Scholars,” since 2014.
The Culverhouses are also passionate supporters of theatre and dance at UA. In 2024, they made a $3 million gift to name the dance theatre in the Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts in Eliza’s name. In 2019, they made a $500,000 gift that established the Eliza P. Culverhouse Fund for Excellence in Dance, which allows for the recruiting and funding of guest artists and financial support for priority needs such as costumes, equipment and other student needs. In 2021, Eliza also made a $250,000 contribution to create the Eliza P. Culverhouse Graduate Support Fund in Dance, which supports graduate students in the dance Master of Fine Arts program in furthering their craft.
Additionally, the Culverhouses have supported the UA Women’s Golf program through the Joy McCann Culverhouse Endowed Women’s Golf Scholarship in honor of Hugh’s mother, who played golf at UA.
“Whether it’s the ballet theater, the Two Iron Club Scholarship in the business college, the women’s golf team or the new golf course, our support aims to improve the entire university,” Hugh said. “And the professorship in the School of Leadership and Policy gives me something that I want to grow. This $500,000 is just the beginning.”