A major philanthropic gift is helping drive momentum behind Tuscaloosa Academy’s Building Excellence Capital Campaign, courtesy of Chloé and Ric Mayers.

Tuscaloosa Academy’s Building Excellence campaign aims to address longstanding facility limitations by constructing a modern athletic center that can better support the school’s growing academic and athletic programs.

Ric Mayers, a real estate developer and oilman originally from Vernon, told Yellowhammer News the story of how his family’s donation came to be.

Ric and his wife toured different schools in town to decide where to send their son. While touring Tuscaloosa Academy — and after being incredibly impressed with the school’s academics — he happened to ask about the athletic infrastructure.

School officials say the current single gym, limited locker space and undersized field house no longer meet the needs of a rapidly expanding student body.

The academy shared their vision for their athletic department and it was then that Ric and his family decided to make the commitment, both for their son’s future and for the future of the school.

The plan for the new facility is designed to include a regulation-size gym, improved locker rooms, a full football field house, a weight room for all teams and a dedicated space for coaches and staff.

The project is intended to create a space that strengthens student experiences, supports long-term program growth and brings the school community together for years to come.

School officials say the Mayers’ contribution is one of the largest single gifts in the academy’s history and reflects a growing wave of community investment in the academy.

The couple was inspired by Tuscaloosa Academy’s long-term vision, but were also inspired by Coach Nick Saban.

“I heard [Saban] say once in an interview, if you’re blessed, it’s your obligation to be a blessing to others,” Ric Mayers said. “Seeing how coach Saban has given back, and how his entire focal point, and his mission while he’s been in Tuscaloosa, is giving back to kids, helping kids. That truly has been a big inspiration for mimicking what he’s done.”

With the Mayers’ donation, Tuscaloosa Academy has now raised more than $5 million from 170 individual contributions.

The school also noted full employee participation, with employees collectively contributing $73,510 to the campaign.

Funds will support the construction of a new 23,000-square-foot athletic center designed by Ward Scott Morris. The project is part of the academy’s broader effort to expand student opportunities and enhance campus facilities.

“Chloé and Ric’s generosity is a powerful reminder that our story extends beyond our campus,” Head of School Beckie Share said.

“Their belief in investing in kids has elevated our campaign in a truly remarkable way. Their gift reflects the broader community’s confidence in the value of independent education in Tuscaloosa.”

The donation marks another milestone in Tuscaloosa Academy’s campaign to strengthen educational and community resources — an initiative that continues to gain support from families across the region.

Evy Gallagher is the assistant editor of Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].