CapstoneEngineerMagazineFall2026 - Flipbook - Page 4
| FEATURE |
THE
STYSLINGER
LEGACY
by David Miller
CATHERINE STYSLINGER’S
TRANSFORMATIVE $25 MILLION
GIFT NAMES THE COLLEGE IN
HONOR OF HER LATE HUSBAND
hen Lee J. 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
only 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 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.
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4 | CAPSTONE ENGINEER | FALL 2026
Lee Jr. took
over his family
business, now
known as Altec,
in 1952 at the
age of 19.
“He always had challenges, but he always seemed to 昀椀nd 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 dif昀椀culties.”
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, 2025, 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.”
