Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a renowned public research university. Established in 1969 within the University of Alabama System, University of Alabama at Birmingham has experienced remarkable growth and now stands as the largest employer in the state. With a dedicated team of over 24,200 faculty and staff, the university provides employment opportunities to over 53,000 individuals. The university is recognized for its exceptional research activity and academic prowess.
University of Alabama at Birmingham provides a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. In the fall of 2020, UAB attracted an impressive number of 22,563 students from over 110 countries. University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, a prominent academic medical center in the United States, is affiliated with University of Alabama at Birmingham.
University of Alabama at Birmingham operates under the leadership of the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, with the guidance of the Chancellor of the University of Alabama. The board consists of 15 elected members and two ex officio members, who are appointed rather than elected. Board members receive confirmation from the Alabama State Senate.
The president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham is appointed by the chancellor, demonstrating their expertise and strategic decision-making abilities. The president also leads the board of the UAB Health System. Richard Marchase assumed the role of interim president on August 21, 2012, following the retirement of Carol Garrison. In February 2013, Ray L. Watts assumed the role of UAB’s seventh president.
UAB is a prestigious, four-year research university that is highly regarded for its extensive research activities. UAB has maintained accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1970, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In the 2016–2017 school year, UAB achieved impressive results by granting a total of 2,384 bachelor’s degrees, 1,795 master’s degrees, 33 educational specialist degrees, 125 research doctorates, and 391 professional doctorates.
During the fall semester of 2018, the UAB student body was comprised of a diverse group of individuals, including undergraduates, graduate students, and professional doctoral students. These students hailed from all 67 Alabama counties, all 50 states, and over 110 foreign countries. The undergraduate student body consisted of a diverse mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives.