For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following respective meanings:
The definitions set forth herein shall be deemed applicable whether the words defined are used in the singular or plural. Whenever used herein, any pronoun or pronouns shall be deemed to include both singular and plural and to cover all genders.
Whenever in this chapter any power is given to an educational institution, or whenever reference is made to any action by an educational institution, such power shall extend to and may be exercised by the board of trustees or other body having general supervisory power over the educational institution.
Whenever in this chapter any power is given to an authority to lease ancillary improvements to an educational institution or to an educational institution to lease such ancillary improvements from an authority, such power shall include the power of such authority (1) to lease such ancillary improvements to, and the power of such educational institution to sublease such ancillary improvements from, a private person, firm, corporation, or other entity; and (2) to lease such ancillary improvements to a private person, firm, corporation, or other entity without the requirement of a sublease of such ancillary improvements to an educational institution, provided that the ancillary improvements shall be designed and operated for the use and benefit of an educational institution or its faculty, staff, employees, or students. All such lease and sublease agreements with educational institutions and all such ancillary improvements shall be approved by the board of trustees or other governing body of the educational institution.
Ala. Code § 16-18-1 (1975)