The Saban Center announces partnership with Poarch Creek Indians to boost STEM, arts education in Alabama

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July 30, 2025

Huge moves are being made by The Saban Center before it even makes its official opening in Tuscaloosa likely sometime next year.

The Saban Center, a cutting-edge educational campus that integrates STEM and the arts, announced a major partnership with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) to enhance and promote STEM and arts education across Alabama.

According to the center, it marks one of the largest donations to their efforts to date.

It also reflects a shared commitment to honoring the past while building a strong and innovative future for the next generation, they report, saying this partnership will support and enhance the Saban Center’s mission to inspire discovery, learning and creativity for children and families throughout the state.

Terry Saban shared her appreciation, saying, “Nick and I are immensely grateful to the Poarch Creek Indians for the generous support of Saban Center. This partnership is a true example of what’s possible when we come together in supporting education for our children.”

Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair of the Poarch Creek Indians, spoke to the importance of the partnership.

“We are proud to join with Terry and Nick Saban in providing STEM and arts education to children in Alabama through the Saban Center. This collaboration represents our shared commitment to making sure our state’s young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and are well prepared to meet the demands of the future. It is truly a legacy project that the Saban’s and our Tribe are committed to its success for generations to come.”

The Poarch Creek Indians has long prioritized education as a foundation for building stronger communities across Alabama.

From early childhood programs to investments in secondary education, the Tribe has supported opportunities that empower youth and promote long-term growth. This partnership between the Tribe and the Saban Center continues that legacy for Poarch Creek by expanding access to transformative learning experiences for children statewide.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox also celebrated the announcement, saying, “This new partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians will help us succeed in delivering a world-class experience to the next generation. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, brighter future for our children.”

Audrey Buck, Director of the Saban Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am incredibly excited about this partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians. By joining forces, we are creating new opportunities and expanding what’s possible for every child who walks through our doors.”

To learn more about the Saban Center, visit https://sabancenter.org.

It certainly seems like The Saban Center is committed to making Tuscaloosa a better place, and the Saban family is clearly continuing to be a huge part of the community.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.