TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees has approved the naming of the Culverhouse College of Business’ signature student leadership and professional development initiative in recognition of a $5 million gift commitment from the family of the late Robert James “Jim” Kelly.
The R. James Kelly Leveraging Engagement to Advance Development program, or Kelly LEAD for short, prepares undergraduates to lead with integrity, empathy and strategic insight through immersive workshops and events, one-on-one mentoring and community engagement projects to help students develop in-demand soft-skills.
“At Culverhouse, we believe that preparing students for the workforce goes far beyond the classroom,” said Culverhouse Dean Kay Palan. “The R. James Kelly LEAD program is one of our most impactful initiatives because it equips students with the skills, confidence and mindset they need to thrive in professional environments.
The gift is part of a total $8.5 million commitment to the program from Ginger Kelly, Jim’s wife, beginning with her first gift of $1.5 million in 2022, $1 million of which established the R. James Kelly Endowed Business LEAD Support Fund, as well as a $2 million estate gift component.
Jim, a two-time Culverhouse alumnus and former president of Family Dollar Stores, Inc., passed away in 2021.
“Jim believed deeply in the power of investing in people,” Ginger said. “Whether in the boardroom or in his charitable work, he was always ready to listen, mentor and uplift those around him. He often said that when you grow and support others, success naturally follows. The R. James Kelly LEAD program reflects that same spirit, cultivating a culture where students are empowered to lead, learn and become job-ready through meaningful relationships and personal growth.
“I know Jim would be proud to see his legacy carried forward in this way.”
About the R. James Kelly LEAD Program
The Kelly LEAD program empowers students to discover their strengths and chart meaningful career paths. Overseen by Keely Latopolski, the College’s assistant dean for undergraduate academic programs and retention, the program is managed by four full-time staff and assisted by student ambassadors, peer mentors and career coaches.
Kelly LEAD engages more than 10,000 students across Culverhouse, and its curriculum begins for freshmen with required courses that emphasize resumes and business introductions.
Outside the classroom, students participate in executive trainings, where companies present on various topics related to the program’s soft skills competencies, as well as coaching and mentoring sessions that cover concepts introduced in class.
About Jim Kelly
Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1969 and served in the Army before earning a master’s degree in accounting in 1973. His career included more than two decades at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he rose to become national director of the firm’s middle market and fast-growing companies division and managing partner of its Carolinas operations.
He later joined Family Dollar Stores, Inc., and played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation from a regional discount retailer to a Fortune 300 powerhouse. As vice chairman, CFO, chief administrative officer, and later as president and COO, Jim oversaw store operations, merchandising, real estate, supply chain and technology. Under his leadership, Family Dollar expanded from 2,700 stores to more than 7,000 stores nationwide and saw its stock price climb from $15 to over $60.
Beyond his business success, Jim was deeply involved in his community. He served on the boards of the American Red Cross and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and was active in Leadership Tampa and other civic organizations.
Jim and Ginger Kelly have three children and nine grandchildren.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
Contact
Alex House, UA Strategic Communications, alex.house@ua.edu