UAB celebrates Forbes ranking with employee appreciation event

In February 2021, UAB was named America’s Best Large Employer 2021 by Forbes. In celebration, UAB hosted an employee appreciation event for the faculty and staff.
  • UAB President Ray L. Watts and UAB Provost Pam Benoit, handing out UAB totes to employees. 

    Photography: Andrea Mabry

  • Employees from across campus came to the Bartow Arena for the celebration.

    Photography: Andrea Mabry

  • Brian D. Burnett, Senior Vice-President of UAB Finance and Administration, handing out UAB lanyards to employees. 

    Photography: Andrea Mabry

  • Representatives from university departments lined the atrium of Bartow Arena supplying attendees with UAB swag and information about resources that are available to all employees. 

    Photography: Andrea Mabry

  • Forbes also named UAB  America’s No. 4 Best Employer for New Graduates 2021.

    Photography: Andrea Mabry

  • UAB President Ray L. Watts and UAB Provost Pam Benoit. 

    Photography: Andrea Mabry

  • Employees pose with the original Blazer, a 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

    Photography: Andrea Mabry

  • Employees received UAB T-shirts, bags and lanyards and interacted with leadership from across the institution.

    Photography: Andrea Mabry

  • In 2021, Forbes also named UAB America’s No. 1 Best Employer for Diversity among Colleges and Universities.

    Photography: Andrea Mabry


The University of Alabama at Birmingham celebrated being named America’s No. 1 Best Large Employer by Forbes with an employee appreciation event for the faculty and staff Friday, Dec. 3.

Employees received UAB T-shirts, bags and lanyards and interacted with leadership from across the institution while enjoying refreshments.  

Representatives from university departments lined the atrium of Bartow Arena supplying attendees with UAB swag and information about resources that are available to all employees. 

In 2021, Forbes also named UAB America’s No. 1 Best Employer for Diversity among Colleges and Universities and America’s No. 4 Best Employer for New Graduates 2021.

Current UAB protocols were followed, and indoor masking was required at this event.