Major strategic investments recently launched through UAB’s Research Strategic Initiative have been made possible through supplemental state appropriations, including bridge funding to preserve high-impact research, investments in artificial intelligence and a new patient-friendly clinical trials unit.

Mohammad Zain Hashmi, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and director of an innovative teletrauma program providing care in rural areas of Alabama, has received the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Support of UAB and Shared Governance.

The 2025 honorees for the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching represent UAB schools, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School, and the Honors College. Hear what their students and colleagues have to say.

Leaders shared key accomplishments of UAB's SUCCESS Initiative, including increased fall 2025 enrollment driven by enhanced scholarships and expanded student support. Four new thematic groups will implement 30 high-impact plans through August 2026. Read a recap or watch a full video of the town hall.

Plans developed through the efforts of more than 100 faculty and staff members have given UAB a blueprint for resilience and creating operational efficiencies that is being translated into tangible progress across the institution’s research enterprise.

UAB Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Katie Crenshaw will serve as vice president for Administration, effective Sept. 1. Crenshaw has been serving in the role in an interim capacity since December.

The SIF backs large, cross-campus projects that align with UAB's strategic plan, Forging Ahead. Previously funded projects include a mobile maternal and child health project for underserved counties and a multi-disciplinary driving simulation lab. Applications for the next funding round are open now through Sept. 19. Learn more and apply online.

UAB has launched the Igniting Data Insights initiative and the cross-functional Technology Alignment and Collaboration Committee to strengthen our infrastructure, foster collaboration and ensure that our decisions are informed, efficient and future-ready.

Employees in Workgroup A and non-clinical F will observe closures on Dec. 24 and 26 and Jan. 2, and employees in Workgroup C and clinical faculty will observe closures on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, in addition to the standard holidays observed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Following review of action plans from the seven initial working groups in May, and incorporating UAB community feedback, four larger, thematic groups have been formed and are developing implementation plans.

More than 100 faculty and staff are driving progress through their membership in the six working groups of the UAB Research Strategic Initiative. Learn more about their progress in recent months.

The Academic Research Organization for Clinical Trials, or ARO-CT, has been established to support the expanding infrastructure needs of UAB’s clinical trials enterprise as part of the university’s Research Strategic Initiative.

More than 200 attendees packed the Hill Center ballrooms for the fifth annual event, which focused on preliminary plans from the SUCCESS Initiative’s working groups. Read a recap here.

Kathy Nugent, Ph.D., executive director of the UAB Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, will lead efforts to advance and align biotechnology research, innovation and commercialization, driving economic development and job creation in Birmingham and across Alabama. 

Learn more about the initiative’s progress in this article and make plans to attend the town hall meeting at 10 a.m. March 19 for updates and questions with President Watts, Vice President Brown and working group leaders.

President Ray Watts and Chief Human Resources Officer Janet May applaud all UAB employees, today and every day, for their contributions to the workplace and to the overall mission of the institution.

Alumnus Andy Hollis, who currently serves as interim chief financial officer and associate vice president for Financial Affairs, has been named CFO effective March 1. 

Read an overview (or watch the full video) of Monday’s town hall meeting about the SUCCESS Initiative, which is building a road map to continue UAB’s past decade of enrollment growth and improve student success across the university.

Nancy Parsons, administrative support specialist in the School of Dentistry, is the recipient of the 2024 President’s Award for Shared Values. In this story, Parsons shares why she is always ready to help new hires figure out UAB, and tips on getting the most out of working here.

Following an analysis of results from a campuswide survey and stakeholder interviews, seven working groups have been created to address strategic priorities identified in the responses. Faculty and staff can apply to join a group. Learn more here. Also, RSVP for a town hall on the SUCCESS Initiative at 9 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Alumni House.