Saban Center Hires UA Veteran Jamie Burke to Lead Fundraising

The Saban Center has named Dr. Jamie Burke as its new Director of Development, filling a key fundraising role as the $120 million learning campus in downtown Tuscaloosa works toward its eventual opening.

Burke, who begins the role Monday, most recently served as Director of Prospect Management at the University of Alabama, her last of many roles at the Capstone working in fundraising, alumni relations and event management.

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"We are delighted to welcome Jamie to the Saban Center team," said its Executive Director Audrey Buck. "Her expertise, dedication, and longstanding service to the Tuscaloosa community make her an exceptional addition to our organization. We look forward to the meaningful impact she will undoubtedly make as we move toward our opening to the public in early 2028."

Burke's hire fills the development role previously held by Brandt LaPish, who left the Saban Center earlier this year to return to the DCH Foundation.

Active in the Tuscaloosa community, Burke has served as Vice President of Membership for the Junior League of Tuscaloosa, a mentor for FuelTuscaloosa, a board member for the Tuscaloosa County Chapter of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association and a member of the United Way of West Alabama Volunteer Allocation Team.

Burke holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration, a Master of Library and Information Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, all from the University of Alabama.

As the Thread has previously reported, the $120 million Saban Center is a first-of-its-kind STEM and arts learning campus being built in downtown Tuscaloosa's River District through a public-private partnership led by Nick and Terry Saban, the City of Tuscaloosa and the State of Alabama, plus donors and corporate partners recruited by folks like Burke.

The 118,000-square-foot campus will unite the State of Alabama STEM Hub, the Tuscaloosa Children's Theatre and IGNITE, formerly the Children's Hands-On Museum, and is expected to open to the public in early 2028.

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