By Hunter Carter
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing alumna Deborah Thedford-Zimmerman, MSN, RN, WOCN (BSN 1986) has been recognized by the UAB National Alumni Society as the 2021 Volunteer of the Year.
The UAB NAS Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has dedicated their time and effort to improving the University through volunteerism.
“I was elated and shocked at the same time when I heard that I had won,” said Thedford-Zimmerman.
Thedford-Zimmerman has been active in the community by volunteering her time and efforts with the Birmingham Black Nurses Association Inc., where she served as president from 2018-2020. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Thedford-Zimmerman has focused her efforts in helping the BBNA administer the COVID-19 vaccine to the citizens of Birmingham and other surrounding areas.
Thedford-Zimmerman retired from UAB Hospital in 2015 and most recently was named one of Alabama’s a top nurses by AL.com.
The 2021 UAB NAS Alumni Award winners were recognized in a ceremony in September.