Nominations for first-quarter 2026 are open now; submit a nomination online.Connie Bonds, administrative supervisor in the Department of Physical Therapy; Jodie Herrin, volunteer coordinator for UAB Medicine Guest Services; and Mellissa H. Taylor,  student and academic services manager in the Graduate School dean’s office, are the fourth-quarter 2025 honorees for the UAB Values in Action Program.

The UAB VIP Award honors employees whose work exemplifies and embodies one or more of the We CARE Shared Values outlined in the Forging Ahead strategic plan: Collaborate, Act With Integrity, Respect All and Excel. All three honorees have made a lasting impact on the fabric and culture of UAB by exemplifying the university’s shared values.

Honorees are nominated by their colleagues and selected by a committee of individuals from across the campus and UAB Hospital. One of the 2025 VIP honorees will be selected for the annual President’s Award for Excellence in Shared Values.

Meet this quarter’s UAB VIP Award honorees:

Connie Bonds

In every organization, there is someone whose presence is felt in ways big and small, someone who, through countless acts of integrity, kindness and quiet leadership, becomes the heartbeat of the team. For the Department of Physical Therapy, that person is Administrative Supervisor and HR Officer Connie Bonds.

Bonds’ impact radiates far beyond her title. She is the first to arrive, often before sunrise, said Abebaw Yohannes, Ph.D., M.Sc., professor in the department, “to plan and organize the business of the department in a meticulous fashion.” She also is the last to leave, “ensuring every detail for events, meetings and daily operations is flawlessly executed,” Yohannes said.

But it is not just about getting things done, colleagues say; it is how Bonds does them. Her colleagues repeatedly describe her as the “connector,” seamlessly weaving together faculty, staff and students into a cohesive, supportive community. “Her collaborative spirit is the heartbeat of our success,” said LaDarius Woods, P.T., DPT, Ph.D., director of Access and Engagement.

Bonds’ integrity is unwavering, whether it is returning a lost $20 bill to its rightful owner or advocating for her team behind the scenes. When a colleague inadvertently ordered the wrong item for an event, Bonds “quickly stepped in and took ownership, explaining that she had provided incorrect information, and helped correct the situation without hesitation,” remembered Program Coordinator II Katherine Sims.

Bonds’ influence reaches every corner of the department, from brewing coffee to meticulously planning guest visits so every candidate and visitor feels genuinely valued. “Her work not only meets expectations — it elevates the performance of everyone around her,” said Associate Professor Laura White, P.T., DScPT. Even the most challenging tasks are met with her signature blend of determination and diplomacy. “She is upfront and honest but uses great diplomacy when needed,” said David Morris, P.T., Ph.D., FAPTA, UAB Distinguished Professor and department chair. “Those directly reporting to Connie clearly know her expectations; she is firm with them, yet it is clear that they feel supported and that they respect Connie.”

It’s no wonder that, when senior leaders are looking for a “model administrative staff member,” colleagues say, the answer is, “We need a Connie.”

Jodie Herrin

If you spend any time in UAB Hospital, you’ll eventually hear her name. Jodie Herrin is the human engine quietly powering the network of volunteers who lift the spirits and lighten the load for patients, families and staff. As the volunteer coordinator with Guest Services, Herrin’s reach stretches across the 1917 Clinic, Angel Squad, Helping Hands, Hand in Paw, the Teen Volunteer Program, Project SEARCH and more.

“Jodie’s work is grounded in collaboration,” said Elizabeth Maddox, program coordinator I, Guest Services, Training and Development. “She partners seamlessly with clinical teams, administrators and community organizations.” Maddox added that Herrin’s “integrity shines through in every interaction.” She is “dependable, ethical, and a fierce advocate for dignity and respect for all, and leads with grace, humility and professionalism.”

“From the beginning, Jodie was excited to collaborate, helping us find ways to bring more efficiency to our processes and expand service options for volunteers,” said Kachina Kudroff, MPH, CHES, prevention programs manager at the 1917 Clinic. “Now, we couldn’t imagine running our volunteer program without her.”

Herrin’s integrity and care are evident in every interaction, colleagues say. “She collaborates to make sure the new volunteers are onboarded with a very thorough orientation that covers both the hospital requirements and those of the units,” said Sandra Milstead, R.N., BSN, CPXP, family nurse liaison for Women and Infants Services. “She follows up on any questions anyone may have. It is amazing to think about the number of volunteers who are screened, interviewed, oriented and managed throughout the year.”

“Her support to our group is vital to our mission of providing hope, comfort and compassionate care for our patients and their caregivers,” said Sheila Smith, UAB Auxiliary Board member, parliamentarian and Angel Squad treasurer.

Perhaps most telling is the way Herrin inspires others to excel. “Her work makes a lasting impact not only on our volunteers but also on the patients who benefit from the presence of caring individuals at their bedside,” shared Terri Middlebrooks, MSHQS, R.N., coordinator for the Hospital Elder Life Program, or HELP. “I am deeply grateful for the way she has supported our program, and I cannot imagine HELP thriving without her partnership.”

Mellissa Taylor

Mellissa Taylor is the kind of person who makes everyone feel that they belong, no matter their background or academic path, colleagues say. As Student and Academic Services manager in the UAB Graduate School dean’s office, she has guided hundreds of students through the complexities of higher education. And when colleagues come to Taylor, they say, they leave feeling heard, valued and prepared to move forward.

“She takes the time to understand the diverse needs of our students and staff and works tirelessly to ensure that policies, practices and programs are equitable and accessible,” said Kristy Barlow, MPA, director of Student and Academic Services at the Graduate School. “She approaches every conversation with empathy and civility, creating a welcoming environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, valued and supported.”

“Mellissa was a rock for Honors students like myself,” said Rebecca Massey, M.D., chief resident in the Department of Neurology, recalling her time as a UAB undergraduate. “She served as a mentor, a confidant and a listening ear. When I considered changing my major to anthropology, a nontraditional path for pre-med, Mellissa encouraged me to pursue my passion and challenged me to never simply follow what others say is the ‘right way.’ That decision, made with her support, led me directly into my future career in behavioral neurology. I am a better physician because of her.”

In her role leading UAB’s Accelerated Learning Opportunities program, Taylor collaborates with 28 academic departments to create seamless pathways for students. She brings together faculty, staff and undergraduates to make the transition to advanced study successful. “Mellissa serves as a supplemental advisor for over 1,200 Early Acceptance students, providing individualized academic planning and support,” explained David A. Schneider, Ph.D., Louise T. Chow, Ph.D., Heersink Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and interim dean of the Graduate School. “Her approach prioritizes equity and access, ensuring every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.”

“Mellissa’s advising style demonstrates a deep respect for the individuality of each student,” said Jesse Keppley, executive director of INTO UAB, and former director of Student and Academic Services for the Graduate School. “She takes time to listen to their goals, challenges and lived experiences, creating inclusive spaces where students feel seen and supported.”

“She was always sure to follow up, check in, and provide additional guidance and assistance as needed,” said UAB alumna Carley Blankenship. “This served as a constant reminder that I was more than just a name on a list. I was important and I mattered.”

Nominations for 2026 first-quarter honorees are open through Jan. 28, 2026. Submit a nomination online.