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Pediatrics April 02, 2026

dop spotlight headshot collageThe University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics would like to introduce the 2025 Department of Pediatrics Staff Recognition Awards. These awards were created to honor staff members throughout the department for their contribution and commitment to the department's mission. Our staff are essential to making our department run, and this is an opportunity to show our appreciation.

PACE Award (Promoting Access and Cultivating Engagement​)

The PACE Award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond to widen perspectives and promote positive experiences for all members of the department. They foster a sense of belonging within their work family. They also cultivate an environment to promote continual learning and encourage open dialogue in the name of progress. They value, recognize, and empower the contributions of all members of their team.​

Rachel Benz
Clinical Research Nurse Manager│Neonatology

CARE Award (Caring│Act with Integrity│Respect all│Excel​)

​The CARE Values Award is given to an individual who exemplifies the core values of UAB – Always Care, Act with integrity, Work Together, and Do Right. This person goes above and beyond in their contributions to their division and the department. They show accountability, reliability and integrity to everyone in their division/department.

Meagan Whatley​
Clinical Research Nursing Manager│Neurology

SERVICE Award (Supportive│Engaging │Resourceful │Vital​│Inspiring  Community-oriented│Enrich​)

The SERVICE Award is given to an individual who focuses on putting others ahead of themselves through service inside and outside of the department. They are advocates for those around them at work or in their community. They inspire positive change through a service-leadership mentality.​

Marsha Sutton
Program Manager II│Adolescent Medicine

GREEN Award (Go-getter│Reliable│Eager│Exceptional│Newcomer​)

The GREEN Award is given to a newcomer in the Department of Pediatrics who has made a significant impact to their division or the department. They are eager to learn and bring new ideas and concepts that further the mission of their division. They are reliable and willing to adapt to the needs of their team.​

Allie Curl
Administrative Supervisor │ Pulmonary

GOLD Award (Gracious│Outstanding│Leader│Dependable​)

​The GOLD Award is given to a staff member with a strong commitment to the mission and vision of the UAB Department of Pediatrics. They have significant experience in their field and are eager to invest in others as a mentor. They are consistent, dependable and exemplify leadership qualities no matter their title.

Kimberly Jerkins
Administrative Supervisor│ Allergy & Immunology/​Rheumatology

TEAM Award (Task Oriented│Encouraging│Allied│Motivator​)

The TEAM Award is given to a group of two or more individuals who work together to achieve a shared goal. This group can be an established crew or team of individuals that share a similar role or goal throughout the department. Examples are your division’s administrative or scheduling team or a specialized committee such as a department wide staff research team. They have the ability to collaborate and respect each other’s roles and contributions in order to achieve essential work for the department.

AYA Oncology & Oncofertility

Dr. Christina Croney│Mark SmithKatherine Novak│Julia WardEbony Williams​

Congratulations to you all!


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