Welcome to UAB
When Dr. Joseph Volker became UAB’s first president 50 years ago, in 1969, he had a bold vision for our future that some people at the time considered extremely unlikely, wild, and even crazy. But those reactions did not deter him. Instead, Dr. Volker was powered by the will to grow our fledgling university into an internationally renowned leader in education, research and scholarship, and patient care.
Over the years, countless students, alumni, employees, and community supporters have shared that belief that we can build a brighter future for Birmingham, Alabama, and the world. Their efforts laid the foundation for five decades of growth and success far beyond what anyone could have imagined.
Breakthroughs made at UAB have had a global impact. To name just a few examples, we have pioneered game-changing treatments for cancer, diabetes, HIV, cystic fibrosis, and many other diseases. We engineered the fiber-optic endoscope, four-handed dentistry, and materials for lighter, stronger military gear. Locations in Antarctica—and on Mars—bear the names of UAB researchers to honor their contributions to marine biology and physics. Using satellite imaging, we have revealed thousands of buried pyramids in Egypt and ancient settlements around the world. And we have pioneered software and partnered with the FBI to catch cybercriminals.
As extraordinary as our past is, however, our future is even more promising. We have become one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse, and sustainable campuses. Here you will discover students and faculty redefining treatment through precision medicine, bridging gaps in education and health care, launching high-tech start-ups to boost our economy, and pursuing innovations in the arts, engineering, science, and many other fields.
Once again, we share a bold vision—and the willpower to bring it to life. I invite you to join us as we begin UAB’s next 50 years.
Key Initiatives

We are Forging the Future to define goals and strategies that will guide our progress.

We envision a campus that supports learning, patient care, research, economic development, and the community.

We’re in Birmingham. We’re for Birmingham. We’re committed to supporting our community.

We’re harnessing science, technology, policy, and innovation to improve Alabama’s health.

RCM gives our schools and departments greater control over their individual budgets.

A unique curriculum will model and develop socially conscious global leaders and citizens.

Discover how we are building upon the success of the historic $1-billion Campaign for UAB.

Through enhanced support and infrastructure, we make discoveries with a global impact.
Points of Pride
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Voted America’s No. 1 Best Large Employer (2021) by Forbes Magazine
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been named America’s No. 1 Best Large Employer by Forbes,
topping the list of more than 500 public and private corporations, hospitals, universities,
Fortune 500 companies and more, across dozens of industries. -
Fifth straight year of record enrollment (22,563)
as well as record retention (86.4%). -
Most academically prepared freshman class ever,
with average ACT of 25.9 and average high school GPA of 3.83. -
$638 million in research awards (FY2020),
continuing the most successful period of research funding in UAB history with
42% ($190 million) growth in awards since FY2015. -
Ranked 1st in the U.S. and 7th globally
for community outreach around health and well-being by Time Higher Education. -
18th largest hospital in the U.S. (and 3rd largest public),
home to the state’s only Level 1 Adult Trauma Center and only
NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Alabama and a four-state region.