The University of North Alabama, the first state-funded higher education institution in Alabama, was established in 1830 at LaGrange, Alabama, and was named LaGrange College. In 1855, the College moved to its current location in Florence, Alabama, and changed its name to Florence Wesleyan, University. According, in 1872 the University became the first state-supported teachers' college south of the Ohio River. The admission of women students two years later placed it among the first coeducational in the institutions in the United States. Today, the University of North Alabama stands as one of the first universities in the United States and prepares its students for tomorrow while maintaining valuable traditions a rich heritage.

The University of North Alabama occupies a beautiful campus of over 130 acres in residential section of Florence. Alabama. UNA's initial campus facilities master plan was developed by the world famous Frederick Law Olmsted architectural firm which designed New York City's Central Park. Together with neighboring cities, the four-city metro-politan area called the Shoals has a population of more than 140,000 offers:

• Art galleries and museums

• Theatrical and musical performances

• Movie theaters and many other entertainment facilities

• Several major shopping centers and hundreds of individual stores

• A wide array of restaurants for dining

• Many first-rate health care Facilities

• Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school within walking distance form the campus

• W.C. Handy Helen Keller Festivals

• Renaissance Fair and Trail of Tears Ride

• Numerous recreational facilities and parks next to the Tennessee River

UNA Student Life - As a part of the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Student Life upholds the Division's objective of dedication to the total development of each student. Student Life facilitates the development process by providing a comprehensive co-curricular experience that gives students the opportunity for personal, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and by offering programs, activities, and services that compliment and enhance the student's collegiate experience.

A University, first and foremost, exists to provide a quality education. At the University of North Alabama, you will be exposed to a wealth of possibilities, and, with faculty assistance, you will be encouraged to plan a course of study that gives you a broad and well-rounded education. UNA uses an advising system that offers assistance to the student in considering and planning the course of study to pursue. Whether you choose weekday, evening or weekend classes, there are a variety of options to help you meet your scheduling needs.

Classes at UNA tend to be small, with an average class size of 23 students. You won’t find large, impersonal lecture halls here, and all classes are taught by qualified and well-prepared faculty members, not by graduate assistants. This special learning environment enables students to interact with other students and with their faculty, which provides a network of support and the opportunity to make lifelong friendships.

Why UNA?

• Because they are one of the oldest universities in the United States, founded in 1830 offering high quality education with their rich heritage in one of the most beautiful campuses.

• Because they have been selected as a "Best Buy in Higher Education" by U.S. News and World Report, due primarily to their excellent academic reputation and relatively low cost.

• Because they are located in the city of Florence, which is ranked as one of the top safest cities in the United Stated according to F.B.I. Crime Reports.

• Because they will prepare you for tomorrow in small classrooms with personalized attention where all classes are taught by faculty members, not graduate or teaching assistants.

• Because they offer over a 100 different undergraduate options, concentrations, and majors along with several graduate programs that will help prepare you for a well paying professional career upon graduation.