Dr. David Schwebel, professor in the Department of Psychology and associate dean for research in the sciences, has been named a university professor by the Board of Trustees. According to the guidelines for faculty appointments, the rank of university professor is a campus-wide appointment primarily in a specific discipline and is to bestow on an individual an academic rank that transcends departmental and disciplinary lines. It is also intended to allow each designated individual the greatest latitude in teaching, writing, and scholarly research, and is to give such an individual with broad expertise a UAB-wide platform. 

In addition, Dr. Schwebel received the Dennis Drotar Distinguished Research Award from the Society of Pediatric Psychology, which is the top research award in the scientific society in which Dr. Schwebel is most active.