The University of North Alabama can trace its beginnings  to the year 1830 & LaGrange College.   LaGrange was the first college state-chartered in Alabama.   The University of LaGrange was originally located in Franklin County but was moved to the the current location in the Muscle Shoals area city, Florence in the year 1854.   It was primarily a teachers college for years and was the first state-supported teachers college south of the Ohio River.   It also became one of the nation’s first coeducational colleges just a year later.

The University of North Alabama campus  itself sits on an impressive spread of 130-acres.   This area is a very safe residential area of the city.   The area is a metropolitan area with the three other cities of Sheffied, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals having an overall population of 140,000 people.  

The campus of UNA is home to about 7,100 students.    Looking at a cross-section of students on campus, you will find a slightly higher number of females (55%) to males (45%).   Almost three quarters are full time students and citizens of Alabama. 

Whether you want to call it North Alabama University, or University of North Alabama, you will find that the University itself has a rich hstory and a dedication to excellence in education.  In 2010, it will celebrate its 180th anniversisary of educating young minds here in Alabama. 

UNA offers a unique blend of southern charm, cultural influence, socializing, and comprehensive educational opportunities in one location.  The educational opportunities lie in the undergraduate and graduate majors offered through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Nursing and Health.  The southern charm of the soutehrn belles of North Alabama has socialized more than one young man on the stately campus of the UNA Lions.  Everywhere you look in the region, you will find that the impact of this institution can be felt by the people who share in the “pride” of UNA. 

The quality of academics is second to none with the university gaining recognition by the rest of the nation’s educational experts.  So much so, the 2008 edition of the U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges,  ranked UNA as a top-tier public university.  So it is getting noticed more and more as the administration sets out to educate young minds for the future. 

Cultural Impact

Throughout the year, UNA offers a variety of cultural events that bring much acclaim to the region.  There is the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival, which is named for the UNA alumnus George Lindsey, who starred as Goober on the hit television show “The Andy Griffith Show”.   Then there is the Summer Theatre Program, the Distinguished Events Series and the list goes on.   Year round, there are special guests who come to UNA events.  These include   Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, Oscar-winning filmmakers, and other important personalities.   In addition, UNA is home of the Shoals Symphony at UNA and the Entertainment Industry Center.  Many students have gotten their start in the entertainment business through these opportunities. 

Athletics

Over the years, the UNA athletics program has demonstated excellence in producing top quality small college athletes and championship teams & individuals.