CONTACT: Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256-606-2033 or 256-765-4392 June 5, 2020

FLORENCE, AL - The University of North Alabama Board of Trustees today voted to approve the restoration of the Harrison Fountain at the Harrison Entrance of campus as part of its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting. A portion of the fountain collapsed Dec. 18, and, subsequently, the majority of the structure had to be dismantled.

"After that took place, it became clear very quickly that the fountain is a beloved element of the beautiful and historic UNA campus and would need to be fully restored to its original design in order to honor the late Laura M. Harrison, who was integral to that process," said President Ken Kitts. "The Harrison Fountain holds a special place in the hearts of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends."

The total cost for the work is anticipated to be $967,000, with $220,000 for the replacement of the fountain and $747,000 for installation, hardscape, plumbing, and electrical replacement. The work will improve the entirety of Harrison Plaza. Project funding will be provided through reimbursement from the Alabama Department of Risk Management insurance fund and private donor funds.

The fountain will be replaced with materials more suitable to the north Alabama climate and will have a longer life than the original Italian limestone. Through the request for proposals process, Garden Ornaments Stone has been selected to create a replacement fountain.

About The University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, 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 the NCAA Division I's ASUN Big South 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.eduand www.una.edu/unaworks/