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SUCCESS Initiative Office of the Provost | Student Affairs

SUCCESSStudent SUCCESS Champions embody the purpose and spirit of those who have gone above and beyond in supporting student achievement. This recognition is open to both individuals and teams or departments who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success.

SUCCESS Champions may be recognized for implementing innovative strategies, fostering strong and supportive student relationships, collaborating across departments or functional areas, and actively contributing to improvements in student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates.

The SUCCESS Executive Committee will review the nominations and select the winners. Winners will be featured on the SUCCESS website and in the UAB e-reporter.

  • Selection Criteria

    Direct Impact on Student Success:

    • Significant increase in student retention rates in their area of responsibility.
    • Improved academic performance among students they directly support.
    • Higher graduation rates among students they advise or mentor.

    Innovative Program Development:

    • Creation and implementation of new programs or initiatives specifically designed to address student challenges.
    • Adapting existing programs to better meet student needs.
    • Utilizing technology effectively to enhance student learning and engagement.

    Leadership in Student Support:

    • Actively promoting student success initiatives within their department or institution.
    • Serving on committees or leading teams focused on student success.
    • Mentoring and advising students to navigate academic and personal challenges.

    Positive Student Testimonials:

    • Strong student feedback highlighting the positive impact of the nominee's support.
    • Anecdotal evidence of how the nominee went above and beyond to help students succeed.
    • Letters of recommendation from students praising their dedication and effectiveness.

    Commitment to Student Well-Being:

    • Demonstrating awareness of student challenges and providing support to address them.
    • Fostering a positive and inclusive environment for students.
    • Collaborating with other departments to provide holistic student support.

    Collaboration Across Departments or Functional Areas:

    • Demonstrating efforts to work across departmental or functional boundaries to support student success.
    • Participation in cross-functional initiatives or partnerships that enhance student outcomes.
    • Evidence of integrated approaches that leverage various expertise to address student needs.

  • Nomination Process and Timeline

    Deadline for submissions: March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis.

    Please attach any supporting documents as a combined PDF. Supporting documents may include:

    • Letters of recommendation
    • Student testimonials
    • Evidence of program success
    • Any other relevant documents


Submit a Nomination


Recipients

Eric Ford, Ph.D.

Eric Ford, Ph.D.

2025 Q1

Professor, School of Public Health

Kathleen Stallings, MPA

Kathleen Stallings, MPA

2025 Q2

Executive Director, Undergraduate Admissions & Scholarships

Jennifer Griffin, SON Student Success Team

Jennifer Griffin, SON Student Success Team

2025 Q3

  • Jennie Alspach, DNP — School of Nursing assistant professor, student retention coordinator, director of Student Retention Program
  • Jessica Bumpus, PhD — School of Nursing instructor, student retention coordinator
  • Rachael Bruce, DNP — School of Nursing instructor, student retention coordinator
  • Jennifer Griffin — Director for Student Involvement & Leadership
  • Laketa Huddleston-Pettiway, PhD — School of Nursing instructor
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