The Graduate School is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Stacey S. Cofield, Associate Professor of Public Health, as the Associate Dean for Recruitment, Retention, & Diversity.

“I am very honored to join the team in the Graduate School and look forward to continuing to serve the students of UAB, past, present, and future,” Dr. Cofield said. “My hope as part of the Graduate School is to foster an environment of inclusion and support such that every student that wants to attend UAB can find the right program and succeed.”

Dr. Cofield joined the faculty of the department of Biostatistics in the school of Public Health in 2003 after completion of her PHD in Biostatistics from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has served as graduate program director of Biostatistics and is the current chair of recruitment and retention for the department, as well as Director of the DRPH concentration and Biostatistics. Dr. Cofield has been teaching for more than 15 years in the face-to-face, blended, and online environment, and was a recipient of the 2018 UAB President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and 2019 Graduate Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring. She is also a Quality Matters Master Reviewer, member of the UAB Quality Matters Implementation Plan Committee, and Chair of the School of Public Health (SOPH) Online Education Committee.

Dr. Cofield has been the Deputy Director of the statistical and data management centers for an international multi-center clinical trial in multiple sclerosis. She also has been researching rheumatoid arthritis and vaccines in immunocompromised populations. She is currently a senior biostatistician for the CCTS and will be the PI of the statistical center for an upcoming clinical trial for the shingles vaccine in use with anti-TNF medications.

Cofield replaces Dr. Daniel Bullard who retired at the end of September. She will officially begin her role as associate dean on December 1, 2020.

“I am beyond thrilled to have Stacey Cofield join our team,” said Dr. Lori McMahon, Graduate School Dean. “She brings experience, enthusiasm, high energy and passion for the Graduate School’s vision of improving lives through the accomplishments of our scholars. I am excited for this opportunity and eager to see what the future holds.”

Many thanks to Associate Dean Dr. David Schneider and the search committee members for their efforts in leading a successful search.