Natalie Gassman, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, was named chair-elect for the UAB Faculty Senate, effective September 1. Gassman will hold the title until August 31, 2027, while serving as chair of the Faculty Senate Research Committee. She will become chair of the Senate September 1, 2027, through August 31, 2028.
As chair-elect, Gassman presides over the Senate, meetings with the president and provost, and the Executive Committee if the chair is absent.
“The most important role is serving on the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and collaborating to shape the Senate's business for the current year and set priorities for the next year,” Gassman said.
Gassman will meet monthly with the chair, past chair, and provost, to discuss faculty issues, raise concerns, and if necessary, pose questions to the current administration. One key item she is working on is improving the Faculty Development Grant Program, which the senate administers in collaboration with the Provost’s Office. Gassman says they want to ensure faculty have the resources they need to advance their careers and achieve their goals.
“As the research chair and now the chair-elect, I have focused on improving communication between the faculty and administration on issues related to conducting research, the administrative burden of research, and the challenges of the current funding landscape,” Gassman said. “I also have outstanding members on the Research Committee, who represent the Senate on university-wide committees and in a variety of other roles. We have a great working relationship with the Office of Research, the former Vice President for Research, Dr. Chris Brown, and the current Interim Vice President for Research, Dr. Jason Nichols. I look forward to working with the incoming Vice President of Research, Dr. David Standaert.”
Presiding chair, Peter Jones, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, says that Gassman brings exceptional expertise, thoughtfulness, and dedication to this role.
“Over the past several years, Dr. Gassman has been one of the Senate's most engaged and effective leaders, serving as chair of the Research Committee and helping ensure that faculty voices are heard on issues ranging from research administration to the challenges facing investigators in a rapidly changing funding environment,” Jones said.
“Natalie approaches every issue with a collaborative spirit, a deep understanding of the faculty experience, and an unwavering commitment to shared governance. I have come to value her judgment, professionalism, and ability to build productive relationships across the university. UAB faculty will be well served by her leadership as chair-elect and, ultimately, as chair, and I am excited to work alongside her as we advance the vision and mission of the Faculty Senate in the coming years."