University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama, for more than 175 years and under a handful of different names, has been providing quality education to thousands of students from the tri-state region and other areas.

The school opened in 1830 under the name of LaGrange College and has also been known, among other names, as Florence State Teachers College, Florence State and UNA. The college has operated at its current site since 1855. Despite that rich history of academic excellence, tourists – as well as many locals – flock to the campus to take in the beauty and unique structures.

Members of the Frederick Law Olmstead Architectural Firm, the same company that designed Central Park in New York City, helped form the vision that has made the UNA campus a showcase.

“The concept was to create a cultural and educational oasis,” said Dan Howard, a vice president at UNA. Most people will tell you quickly the mission has been accomplished.

The Harrison Plaza and Fountain greets visitors at the south entrance. The British street clock that chimes on the hour also lures visitors. Flowers can be found throughout the campus and walkways make getting from one point to the next easy.














There are breath-taking statuary and buildings that force you to stop and look.

On yeah, did we forget to mention there are two live lions on campus, complete with a habitat with all the luxuries? Leo III and Una are the university’s official mascots and have become popular campus residents.