For more than two decades, Alice Rhodes, who served on the administrative staff, was a steady presence in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She was admired for her professionalism, work ethic, and the warmth and laughter she brought to those around her. To her colleagues, she was more than a coworker; she was a trusted ally, a source of joy, and, for many, a friend who felt like family. Her legacy lives on in the memories of those who worked alongside her.

First impressions and early years

Rhodes’ journey in the department began more than 20 years ago, but from her first days there, she made a lasting impact.

“Technically, I was her supervisor,” Michelle Thrasher, supervisor of administrative projects, stated. “But in truth, I only had to train her. She did not require supervision because her work ethic was exceptional. From the very beginning, we clicked and quickly became a team.”

Thrasher recalled meeting Rhodes in 2004 when she was brought on to support the faculty. An unexpected opening became available for administrative support for the department chair, Glenn Peters, M.D. Immediately, the team knew that Alice was the perfect fit. She and Peters worked together for over 20 years and formed a trust and friendship.

William Carroll, M.D., professor emeritus, remembered Rhodes’ reputation preceding her. “She had previously worked with Dr. Gil Diethelm, former chair of the UAB Department of Surgery and a world-renowned transplant surgeon. When she came to the department, she immediately became a trusted member of our team.”

Laura Franks, office associate II, also recalled how firmly Rhodes had already planted her roots.

“She started in ENT five years before I did,” Franks recalled. “She had built wonderful relationships with her doctors and coworkers by the time I arrived.”

These early memories reveal how quickly Rhodes earned trust, built friendships, and set the tone for the supportive culture that would follow.

A career of dedication

After earning her teaching degree at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Rhodes built a diverse career that included positions with Lucas Engineers from 1979 to 1996, followed by temporary work with UAB. She then joined the UAB Department of Orthopedic Surgery under John Killian, M.D., from 1998 to 2001 and subsequently worked in the Department of Pediatrics starting in 2001.

These experiences and her earlier work with the county personnel board and Children’s of Alabama Hospital eventually led her to the UAB Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, where she found her lasting home. Over the past two decades, she had become known for her dependability, resourcefulness, and deep loyalty.

Carroll emphasized how seriously Rhodes took her work.

“She always knew why we did what we did,” Carroll said. “She cared deeply about the patients and routinely went out of her way to ensure they were cared for.”

Her humility only deepened the respect of her colleagues. Rhodes wrote in her 25th service anniversary article feature, “While my role may seem insignificant on the grand scale, my contribution has made a difference within the department and has a tangible impact on the lives of our patients.”

“That quote has stayed with me, because while Alice may have viewed her role with humility, the rest of us saw just how truly significant her presence was,” Thrasher shared. “Her impact reached far beyond her job description.”

Peters, current professor emeritus in the department, highlighted Rhodes’ extraordinary initiative.

“The biggest thing I liked about Alice was that she was an initiator,” he shared. “She is solely responsible for establishing referral communication efforts. She would go out of her way to contact patients, answer questions, and go above and beyond for the team. She even took it upon herself to send notes and pathology reports without being asked.”

He added that her professional strengths reflected the same discipline she brought to every area of her life.

“She was extremely dedicated to her work, even during life’s challenges,” Peters said.

Rhodes’ hard work and dedication defined her career, but her warm spirit and how she cared for people truly defined her presence in the department.

The heart of the department

Beyond her professional skills, Rhodes was the heartbeat of the workplace.

“Her presence lit up a room, not because she tried to, but simply because she was being herself,” Thrasher stated. “She brought complete joy and entertainment to every day.”

Franks agreed, calling Alice the backbone of department morale. “Everyone wanted to know if she had made it to work so they could see her.”

Her humor and candor were just as memorable, according to Carroll. “Alice was a diligent worker, but she had a fun, mischievous streak and kept the team in the administrative office smiling,” Carroll recalled.

Peters also reflected on their bond. “Alice and I were friends for 20 years,” he said. “I called her ‘old girl,’ and she called me ‘papa.’ She always kept up with my son’s sports games, and we exchanged Christmas gifts every year. She and my wife were close friends as well.’”

In both work and friendship, Rhodes left a mark that will live on in the lives she touched daily.

A spirit that brought joy

Those who worked with Alice will remember her not only for what she accomplished but for how she made them feel.

“She had a zeal for life,” Franks recalled. “She was the life of the party, and you never knew how long a quick walk across campus would take because she knew everyone and stopped to talk to them.”

Her kindness extended especially to children.

“If any babies or children came to the office, they had to see Alice,” Franks said. “She always had candy ready or was ready to cuddle them.”

A lasting legacy

Rhodes’ colleagues agree that her presence cannot be replaced. Staff meetings feel quieter now, her laughter missing from the room. Yet her example of diligence, compassion, and loyalty continues to shape the department.

“She set the bar for quality work, patient-focused care, diligence, and a joyful disposition,” Carroll said. “Her presence was key to the positive culture of our workplace.”

For Thrasher, Rhodes’ absence is deeply personal as well as professional.

“Whether at work or at play, Alice always greeted you with a warm smile and left you with a full heart,” Thrasher said. “That’s something we’ll always remember and forever miss.”

Rhodes once described her role as “small.” But to those who knew her, nothing about her contributions was small. She turned colleagues into family, infused joy into her work, and left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire.