In the Know

Yogesh K. Vohra, Ph.D., associate dean for Research and Innovation in CAS, began serving as interim dean on July 1. The search for a permanent dean will begin in August.

Full-time (01), regular part-time (03) and certain affiliate (59) employees have been assigned mandatory “Understanding Your UAB Fiscal Responsibilities” training through an email from UAB Campus Learning. The course must be completed by Aug. 31.

Discover how to maximize your investment in promotional items and find simple steps for quick ordering — then mark your calendar for the annual Vendor Showcase on Sept. 2.

Discover these free offerings from the UAB Employee Assistance and Counseling Center, including the TAO for UAB platform, UABwell app and specialized mental health toolkits.

As UAB advances its AI Strategic Initiative, consider these perspectives from faculty and participants in this spring’s AI in Action: Business Summit at the Collat School of Business.

Eligible employees in Workgroup A will complete self-evaluations in the UAB Perform App. Managers must complete evaluations by Sept. 30. Get details and see upcoming training opportunities in this article.

Nichols, a longtime faculty member, research administrator, investigator and clinical trialist, will provide continuity and leadership for UAB’s research enterprise during a national search.

Schedule an education session tailored to your unit’s unique needs to help employees gain a deeper understanding of compliance requirements, work through realistic scenarios and ask questions. Learn more, find the topics covered, and see how to request a session in this article.

The 2026 Student Success Summit in May served as both a celebration of recent progress and a formal transition point for the university’s SUCCESS Initiative. Learn more.

A comprehensive refresh includes a fully self-paced Level 1 curriculum and learning paths targeted to faculty/staff, student-supporting employees, leaders and students. Learn more and register for training today.

Staring at phones and computers lowers the blink rate and is causing more people prolonged discomfort. Mallory Wright, O.D., who treats patients at the UAB Dry Eye Relief Clinic, explains preventive measures, first-line treatments and in-office therapies.

UAB College of Arts and Sciences Dean Kecia Thomas, Ph.D., will step down effective June 30 to focus on her research. An interim dean will be announced soon. A national search for the permanent dean will commence this summer.

The Center for Teaching and Learning’s “Building Blocks” format consists of three 90-minute sessions, meeting the same day and time over three weeks, focused on practical, research-backed teaching strategies.

Take advantage of updates that will help you navigate campus more quickly, see all parking and dining options at a glance, easily share directions, and more.

Learn more about recipients of UAB Presidential Faculty Support — and note that applications for funding are still open.

Lisa Castellino-Gergich, Ph.D., a senior higher-education executive and veteran of major institutional research and data management initiatives, begins her new role July 1, 2026.

Find out about opportunities to volunteer your time, including working with infants in the Helping Hands program, with senior adults in the Hospital Elder Life Program and with all ages in the Golf Cart Team.

Paul Erwin, M.D., DrPH, will retire effective Sept. 30, 2026, after nearly eight years leading the school. A national search will be conducted to identify his successor.

Microsoft Copilot now has options to choose from multiple AI models and UAB IT has deployed Agents in Microsoft Teams. Follow these principles and guidelines for responsible AI use, consider fiscal and energy efficiency and take advantage of these resources.

Get free access to the Campus Recreation Center on Wednesdays in June, My Health Rewards point-earning opportunities, complimentary chair massages and other wellness incentives. Register by May 29 to take full advantage of this year’s offerings.

Parsons — who has served as UAB’s chief facilities officer since 2019 and led Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, Operations and Maintenance, and Utilities and Energy Management during a period of historic campus growth — will retire effective Jan. 31, 2027. A national search will be conducted to identify his successor.

This is an email sent to the UAB campus community on May 4, 2026, from UAB President Ray Watts.

Check out top classes and workshops, discover the skills that employees want to grow, and learn more about new trainings to fit your schedule.

University of Alabama at Birmingham senior associate dean and professor will lead the UAB Collat School of Business as interim dean effective May 1, 2026.

University of Toledo College of Health and Human Services Dean and Professor Mark Merrick, Ph.D., will lead the UAB School of Health Professions effective July 1, 2026.   

Collat School of Business Dean Christopher L. Shook, Ph.D., is set to retire after Spring Commencement. An interim dean will be named to serve during a national search.

Clothing, merchandise and sweet treats for sale in the North Pavilion and West Pavilion help fund patient-service programs supported by the UAB Auxiliary, including Beads of Courage for infant patients, holiday meals for caregivers and more.

On April 10, the Collat School of Business is hosting a new event focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence in today’s organizations.

Whether you’re a gym regular or hope to be, your reasons for wanting to work out probably boil down to a few familiar ones: to become stronger, more resilient, healthier, fitter—and maybe even a bit happier in the process. With persistence, determination, and a careful approach, these can be achievable goals. To ensure you stay on track, however, it’s helpful not to injure yourself or set yourself back in the process. 

Find out what new strategies and programs are coming this year and how much has already been accomplished in advancing UAB’s strategic priorities for student recruitment, engagement, retention and success.