UA Renames North Campus Way to Honor Pettus Randall

The University of Alabama has recognized a two-time alumnus and longtime supporter of the campus by renaming North Campus Way for his namesake.

The UA System Board of Trustees voted Friday to rename the street to Randall Way in honor of Pettus Randall and his wife Cathy and their substantial generosity to the University after Randall passed away in 2002.

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“Although taken from us too soon, Pettus Randall had a significant and enduring impact on Tuscaloosa and The University of Alabama throughout his life,” said UA President Stuart Bell in a press release. “Cathy continues to extend the legacy of the Randall family as a positive influence and one of Alabama’s most distinguished civic leaders. We are incredibly fortunate to claim them both as alumni and supporters, and we are proud to name this prominent street in their honor.”

Pettus Randall served as the president of Randall Publishing and created the Character First Program, where he inspired his wife and three children to follow what he called "The Randall Way" to stress the importance of character and integrity. After Pettus Randall's untimely death, Cathy Randall devoted her time and resources to, as she says, preserve her husband's legacy.

“Giving to UA was an opportunity that I think Pettus really would have liked. But there are lots of places to give,” Cathy Randall said in a press release. “So, why The University of Alabama? Because The University of Alabama has given us so much...My passion over these last 20 years has been to preserve his legacy, built upon his philosophy about what a powerful difference we can make in the lives of others by living lives of character, integrity and generosity.”

On top of that, the Randall family substantial charitable contributions, Cathy Randall has also earned her bachelor's degree, two master's degrees, and two doctoral degrees from the University. She served at the Capstone for 25 years as director of the Randall Research Scholars Program, a computer-based honors program that was renamed in her honor.

She also served as a campaign cabinet member and an important donor to the Campaign for the Performing Arts, which raised $15 million to help build the new Performing Arts Academic Center.

The name change is effective immediately. Anyone driving on campus and all the way down Jack Warner Parkway will see the Randall Way signage.