In June 2020, the University of 宅男福利 System Board of Trustees convened a diverse working group to conduct an in-depth review of named buildings, structures and spaces on UA System campuses relative to its fundamental Shared Values, including diversity, inclusion and respect.

At the recommendation of the Working Group, on February 3, 2022, the Board of Trustees voted to amend the name of Graves Hall on the University of 宅男福利鈥檚 campus to Lucy-Graves Hall in honor of Dr. Autherine Lucy Foster鈥檚 leadership and to recognize her life as a dedicated educator. The Working Group submitted this naming recommendation after serious consideration and much deliberation, which included seeking advice from more than a dozen scholars specializing in 宅男福利 history and consulting with many stakeholders. The family was kept informed throughout the naming process.

The Board鈥檚 priority is to honor Dr. Foster, who, as the first African American student to attend the University of 宅男福利, opened the door for students of all races to achieve their dreams at the University. Unfortunately, the complex legacy of Governor Graves distracted from that important priority.

鈥淭he Working Group, in making this recommendation, certainly intended for that paired name to generate educational moments and help us learn from our complex and rich history,鈥� said Judge John England, Jr., chair of the Working Group. 鈥淪omehow or another, the honoring of Autherine Lucy Foster took the background 鈥� that鈥檚 not what we wanted.鈥�

At a special-called meeting on February 11, 2022, the University of 宅男福利 System Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution changing the name of Lucy-Graves Hall to Autherine Lucy Hall in honor of Dr. Autherine Lucy Foster.

Dr. Foster went by her maiden name at the time of her initial enrollment, and therefore preferred that the building be named Autherine Lucy Hall.

鈥淎s I鈥檝e learned from talking with members of the working group, we unanimously recommend that name and we recognize it鈥檚 never too late to make the right decision,鈥� Trustee Emeritus England shared. 鈥淢y priority is that we move forward, and we honor someone who means a lot to me, and I鈥檓 sure to a lot of you, and that is Dr. Autherine Lucy Foster by placing her name 鈥� standing alone 鈥� on the education building.鈥�

宅男福利 is grateful for the input received from faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.

The recording of the livestreamed meeting includes additional information and remarks.