50th Anniversary - Collat School of Business

View notable gifts that were transformative to the school's achievement.

See distinguished alumni representing the very best of the values we hold dear.

See photos organized by albums with the archived album growing every day.

Throughout its 50-year history, the UAB Collat School of Business has stood for excellence in education and devotion to exceptional teaching, research, and student outcomes. Explore our history in this interactive timeline.

Hear from some of our leaders through the years about challenges and opportunities the school faced during their time as deans.

Jack Duncan, Ph.D.

Interim Dean, 1997- 1999

"Creating a Career Center was tangible evidence that we recognized the new reality."

Robert Holmes, Ph.D.

Dean, 1999- 2008

"I had more than 35 appointments scheduled with business and community leaders at their offices when I arrived for the first day on the job!"

David Klock, Ph.D.

Dean, 2008-2012

"We were challenged with the Great Recession starting in 2008 and the real need for striving for Accessible Excellence in times of limited state support."

Eric Jack, Ph.D.

Interim Dean, 2012-2013
Dean, 2013-current

"I am most proud of our CSOB collective efforts during the capital campaign in which we contributed more than $225,000 with 99% participation."

Collat employees, students and alums reflect on changes through the years.

The Collat legacy as told by a longtime employee

“I really don’t know how I would characterize my respect for the Collat family other than to say there are few individuals in your life who you can rely on so completely and trust so completely without fail.”
-Kristen Craig, Industrial Distribution program manager

The evolution of the classroom

"When I came to UAB, there was nothing in the room except a chalkboard and pieces of chalk.”
-Thomas Powers, Ph.D., professor

Reminiscing with Professor Van Matre

" Out of all the things I might have been, I’m so happy to say that I’ve spent the last 50 years being a university man."
-Joe Van Matre, Ph.D., professor

A look back - the UAB MBA then and now

"The scent of formaldehyde wafted in from a neighboring anatomy lab."
-Ken Jackson, MBA alumni, '72

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