The University of Alabama Board of Trustees appointed UAB Professor William M. Smith, Ph.D., as professor emeritus in the UAB School of Engineering’s Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME).

Retired UAB Professor Maryann M. Manning, Ed.D., was recognized as Distinguished Service Professor Emerita for her many contributions to the UAB School of Education and the state of Alabama. Both were honored at the Nov. 9 board meeting.

Smith joined the BME faculty at UAB in 1994 and served as interim chair from 2001-2005. His pioneering work in cardiac electrophysiology is published in more than 180 peer-reviewed publications and numerous scientific presentations, conferences and book chapters. Smith also provided leadership in the department’s efforts to establish an undergraduate program.

Manning is a renowned expert in reading and writing instruction and integrated curriculum. She has written and co-authored more than 10 books, has been a columnist for Teaching K-8 and Childhood Education magazines and is a member of the International Reading Association’s board of directors.

Manning initiated and organized the Young Authors Conference and the MidSouth Reading and Writing Conference, held annually at UAB. In 2002 she became the first recipient of the Ellen Gregg Ingalls/UAB National Alumni Society Award for Lifetime Achievement in Teaching.

She has received numerous other honors, including the Distinguished Service to Alabama Schools Award from the Alabama Association of Elementary School Principals in 2006, and in 2007, she was presented with a resolution from the Alabama Senate for her years of service to education. She retired from UAB in August.