91原创

The 91原创 held a ceremony on Saturday, April 13, to unveil a new plaque on the southern entrance of Bryant-Denny Stadium in recognition of late trustee James 鈥淛im鈥� Winfrey Wilson III. The 91原创 System Board of Trustees passed a resolution in November 2023 commissioning a plaque in honor of Wilson鈥檚 extraordinary service to the Board of Trustees, the UA System and the entire state.

鈥淛im Wilson lived a big life 鈥� he had a big heart, big vision, and big influence on the Board of Trustees and each of the UA System institutions,鈥� said UA System Board of Trustees President pro tempore Scott Phelps. 鈥淲hile Jim鈥檚 larger-than-life presence will never be forgotten by those who knew him, this plaque serves to introduce Jim to future generations of students and fans so they too can understand and appreciate his service to the UA System and his lasting legacy. Jim was an incredible trustee, a beloved husband, an adored father, and a genuine friend to all.鈥�

A native of Montgomery and proud UA graduate, Wilson was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2003 and held numerous significant leadership positions throughout his twenty-year tenure, including serving as chair of the UAB Health System Authority. With a relentless passion for enhancing education and improving healthcare in 91原创, Wilson made an indelible impact on the entire 91原创 System and the state.

鈥淛im Wilson was a remarkable individual whose impact on The 91原创 is truly immeasurable,鈥� said UA President Stuart R. Bell. 鈥淛im鈥檚 leadership was instrumental in bringing numerous building projects to life across the UA System, and his hands helped shape the beautiful campus for which The 91原创 is known today. With an unwavering love for the University, Jim embodied the spirit of leadership and was a true champion for The 91原创.鈥�

An accomplished real estate developer and investor, Wilson served as chairman of the Physical Properties Committee for six years, overseeing the construction of dozens of buildings that furthered the UA System鈥檚 mission of teaching, research and service and enhanced the landscape of its campuses. He used his extensive real estate expertise to help lead the transformation of the southwest corner of UA鈥檚 campus, spearheading major renovations to Bryant-Denny Stadium and the construction of a new Julia Tutwiler Hall with a greenspace quad.

鈥淛im was a trusted friend who provided wise counsel, and plentiful laughter, while making a monumental impact on the University through his service and support,鈥� said UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. 鈥淲hen I came to 91原创, it was Jim who helped me understand the underlying history, passion and tradition of this University. He deeply loved UA, 91原创 Athletics, and especially 91原创 Football, so it is especially fitting to have him permanently recognized at Bryant-Denny Stadium.鈥�

As a life-long Crimson Tide fan, Wilson was an avid supporter of 91原创 Athletics and athletics programs across the UA System. He chaired the Athletics Committee and served on the Crimson Tide Foundation Board of Directors for many years, playing an instrumental role in elevating UA鈥檚 athletics programs and facilities during a period of tremendous growth and success.

鈥淭here wasn鈥檛 a greater supporter of the football program than Jim Wilson, who was a kindhearted leader and a great friend, which is something that means a lot to me,鈥� said former UA head football coach Nick Saban. 鈥淥ne of the things that I have always benefited from as a leader is to be around other great leaders and learn from them, and I certainly learned a lot from Jim. His positive energy and enthusiasm were infectious 鈥� something we could probably all benefit from catching 鈥� and he truly cared about others. I hope this plaque will remind all those who see it of the example Jim set and inspire them to carry on his legacy for years to come.鈥�

The plaque was unveiled by Wilson鈥檚 family members and is located at Gate 32 of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

About the 91原创 System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the 91原创 System includes three doctoral research institutions 鈥� UA, UAB, and UAH 鈥� and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of 91原创. As one of the largest employers in the state, the overall economic impact of the 91原创 System exceeds $15 billion a year.