Supporting the future of Warrington

Since graduating from the University of Florida, Tom Frankland (BSBA ’70) has watched the university grow from a small state university to one of the top 10 public universities in the country.

Frankland, who retired after serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation and Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Coast Bank, has seen his support help UF and the Warrington College of Business become leaders in education.

His most recent gift was made to ensure that won’t change. Frankland and his wife, Debbie, recently donated $250,000 to support the Teaching and Learning Center, which is dedicated to the support and enhancement of quality in the College’s courses and degree programs. The gift continues to position Warrington as a trailblazer in transforming how the business leaders of tomorrow are educated.

“One of the reasons we’ve continued to support UF and Warrington is that they prepared me to get where I am today by putting me on a path to be in control of my future,” Frankland said. “It prepared me for a career that spanned numerous companies. I learned that it’s not just about knowledge, but it’s about knowing how to use information to lead a team through a strategic and tactical process to success.”

Frankland currently serves on the College’s Business Advisory Council and has been involved with the UF Foundation since the mid 1990s. He recently completed a two-year stint as Chairman of the UF Foundation Audit Committee.

In 1994, Frankland received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of his business accomplishments and his service to UF and the Fisher School of Accounting. He is currently a member of Fisher School of Accounting Steering Committee.

Staying connected to Warrington since he graduated in 1970 has allowed Frankland to enjoy the university’s rapid growth.

“UF was basically a state university then,” Frankland said. “Now, it’s a nationally-recognized university and completes globally.”