Anitra Baylor, financial officer in the Division of Preventive Medicine, helps researchers navigate the financial aspects of research applications. She is lauded by co-workers as a hard-working and dedicated employee.
“Ms. Baylor has a rare take-charge attitude that has helped her emerge as a natural leader in the division,” said its Director Mona Fouad, M.D. “When a problem or issue arises, she quickly takes ownership of it and provides guidance to all who need it to help resolve the issue. She does that with bold initiative and creativity, thinking outside of the box and not being discouraged by challenges.”
For her dedication and ability to step up when needed, Baylor has been named Employee of the Month for January. Baylor, who’s been at UAB for more than 20 years, said she attributes her success to her co-workers.
“I could not do my job efficiently and effectively without them,” Baylor said. “We work as a team; each person has a role to play, and no role is more important than the other.”
Fouad said Baylor has set a high standard for the entire division, because of her extensive knowledge of financial management in a wide array of research projects.
“She is a valuable resource for developing budgets for research applications, determining allowable expenses and processes, and in the overall financial management of ongoing research projects in the division,” Fouad said.
Baylor began her career at UAB in 1994 as an office services specialist, moved to Preventive Medicine in 1998 and was promoted to her current role as a financial officer III in 2008.
Barbara Wilson, administrative support specialist, said Baylor is the backbone of the financial structure in the division. She said Baylor’s co-workers know they can count on her, even in a crisis.
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Each month, UAB recognizes an outstanding employee for their dedication, hard work and contributions to the university’s success. If you know of a great employee, you can learn how to nominate them for this recognition at uab.edu/humanresources. |
“Even with the daily stressful pace of our office Anitra handles crises with true leadership,” Wilson said. “She often stops what she is working on to assist others. When UAB was struck suddenly with a winter storm, she stayed on after the campus was closed to make sure employees and study participants were safe and accounted for.”
The sheer number of researchers and deadlines could be overwhelming, said Isabel Scarinci, Ph.D., professor of preventive medicine, but Baylor is efficient, dependable and professional.
“She is great at planning ahead, and she keeps all of us in DOPM compliant with the federal guidelines and within our budgets,” Scarinci said. “In all of the years that I have worked with Ms. Baylor, we have never missed a deadline, and I have never needed to remind her of one. For someone who is as busy as she is, I do not take that for granted.”
Baylor said she is honored by the praise of her co-workers, but said her goal is to do her best daily.
“Anytime I can help others is a fulfilling moment,” Baylor said. “My purpose in life is to serve, and by doing so I am achieving my ultimate goal and it is very fulfilling and rewarding.”
When Baylor is not at work, she is spending time with her family and traveling.
“Family is very important to me, and I cherish every moment I have with them,” Baylor said.
