UA College of Engineering Named for Lee J. Styslinger Jr.

Following a $25 million gift commitment from Catherine Styslinger in honor of her husband, Lee J. Styslinger Jr., The University of Alabama has named the College of Engineering the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering. The UA System Board of Trustees approved the gift and naming during its meeting on Friday, October 17.

Lee Styslinger Jr. was born in Birmingham in 1933 and pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at UA before leaving at age 19 to take over management of the Birmingham-based Alabama Truck Equipment Company after his father and the company’s founder passed away.

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“Lee was a humble man, but he would be so proud to know the College was being honored in his name,” Catherine Styslinger said. “He would have wanted other students to have the education that he received there.” Lee Styslinger Jr. passed away in 2021 at age 88.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Styslinger family for investing in our students’ future,” UA President Peter J. Mohler said. “This transformational gift empowers the College of Engineering to think bigger through education, research, and innovation. Our graduates will turn knowledge into impact as they lead solutions to critical challenges in energy, manufacturing, space, mobility, data, and AI — and this is only the beginning.”

Through the generosity of the Styslinger family, the College will benefit from a fully discretionary endowment designed to position UA as a leader in engineering and computer science.

“The Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering enrolls more than 5,500 students across seven departments, offering 14 undergraduate degree programs and 16 graduate degree programs,” said the press release.

The support will expand the College’s impact and strengthen its ability to make lasting contributions across the state and beyond by “strengthening the College's research enterprise and attracting preeminent faculty, responding to emerging opportunities and innovating boldly, and creating transformative experiences for UA engineering students.”

“The power of this endowment lies in its flexibility,” said Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, dean of the Styslinger College of Engineering. “With discretionary resources of this scale, we can respond quickly to opportunities, enhance the student experience, recruit outstanding faculty, and so much more. It positions us for immediate impact while giving us the means to invest strategically in the future.”

 More About Lee J. Styslinger Jr.

“Now known as Altec, Inc., the company became a worldwide leader in providing equipment and services to the electric utility, telecommunications, and tree care industries under Lee Styslinger Jr.’s leadership,” said the press release.

"I've never seen a more determined guy than he was,” Catherine Styslinger said. “Once he said he was going to do something, he did it. And he never gave up. He had a strong determination and character.”

Guided by a lifelong dedication to service and philanthropy, Lee Styslinger Jr. has left a lasting legacy through his community efforts. In 1997, he and his wife founded the Altec/Styslinger Foundation, which centers its mission on supporting education and workforce development in the communities Altec serves.

Catherine and Lee Styslinger Jr. have three sons, Lee III, Jon, and Mark.