‘He would be so proud’

When Lee Styslinger Jr. withdrew from his mechanical engineering studies at The University of Alabama, he had a monumental opportunity ahead of him.

His father, Lee Styslinger Sr., passed away in 1952, leaving a leadership void at the family’s business, the Alabama Truck Equipment Company. Just 19 years old, Lee Jr. returned to Birmingham to manage the company, which at the time, employed just 12 people.

Lee Jr. faced the typical challenges in leading a small business, such as handling unexpected expenses and retaining talent. But Lee Jr. had a vision for growth and the determination to overcome obstacles that would overwhelm executives with more experience. He soon incorporated the company, changed its name to Altec and narrowed the company’s focus to provide trucks for the utility industry. Under Lee Jr.’s leadership, Altec has expanded its manufacturing operations and U.S. footprint nationwide.

Today, Altec, Inc. has thousands of associates that provide equipment and services to the electric utility, telecommunications and tree care industries worldwide.

“He always had challenges, but he always seemed to find the right thing to do,” said Catherine Styslinger, Lee Jr.’s wife. “It was not complicated at all for him. He would see right through any difficulties.”

Lee Jr. passed away in 2021 at the age of 88.

Catherine is excited that Lee Jr.’s legacy as one of the state’s most innovative business leaders now includes The University of Alabama.

On Oct. 17, the University announced the establishment of the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering, following a $25 million gift commitment from Catherine. She was joined at the announcement by their sons, Lee III, Jon and Mark, extended family, and faculty and alumni of the College.

Catherine said the education Lee Jr. received at UA was foundational to his success leading Altec and “made him the man he was.”

“Lee was a humble man, but he would be so proud to know the College was being honored in his name,” Catherine added. “He would have wanted other students to have the education that he received there.”

Catherine’s gift commitment to the College has established a fully discretionary endowment, providing it with tremendous flexibility to become one of the preeminent engineering and computer science programs in the country as well as to continue its upward trajectory of student and faculty achievement.

The Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering enrolls more than 5,500 students across seven departments, which offer 14 undergraduate degree programs and 16 graduate degree programs. UA engineering students are among the best and brightest in the country, including a nation-leading 600 National Merit finalists.

Styslinger faculty are also excelling at a high rate. For the first time in its history, the College received more than $100 million in new external research awards in a single fiscal year, with just over $100.5 million in new awards for FY 2024. This accomplishment marks a period of vast growth and success by the College and its faculty, staff and students, signified by a 244% increase in research grant awards over the past five years.

“With this support, we will expand opportunities for our students, strengthen our research enterprise and invest in programs that make a direct impact on the state of Alabama, our nation and the world,” said Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, dean of the Styslinger College of Engineering.

“We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Styslinger for her remarkable generosity and for her vision for the future of our College of Engineering,” Henderson added. “It is a tremendous honor for our College to bear the name of Lee J. Styslinger Jr.—a man whose leadership and impact extend well beyond Alabama.”

Lee Jr.’s legacy throughout the state includes an enduring commitment to service and philanthropy. In 1997, he and Catherine established the Altec/Styslinger Foundation, focusing on education and workforce development in the communities served by Altec. Additionally, Lee Jr. served on leadership boards for various nonprofit organizations, including Highlands Day School, Children’s Harbor, Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham, St. Vincent’s Hospital and the American National Red Cross.

Catherine said that Lee Jr.’s selflessness and charitable nature are values young people should prioritize. She is proud that his name and legacy will inspire future generations of engineering students at UA.

“He would want students to study hard and put forth the effort that he did to make a contribution, not only to the school but to other people outside of the school in whatever work they choose.”