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Samuel B. Barker Award

About Dr. Samuel Booth BarkerUABArchives BarkerSB2 for Website

Dr. Samuel B. Barker, the inaugural Dean of the UAB Graduate School, was UAB's quintessential Renaissance man. A distinguished scholar and accomplished scientist, he made groundbreaking contributions to thyroid hormone testing that became the foundation for worldwide thyroid testing. Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Barker was an inspirational teacher, mentor, and passionate patron of the arts in Birmingham.

Together with his wife Justine, Dr. Barker deeply enriched Birmingham's cultural landscape through their involvement with numerous arts organizations, including the Alys Stephens Center, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Southern DanceWorks, and the Birmingham Chamber Music Society. As the first president of the Birmingham Festival Theater's board, he demonstrated his commitment to nurturing both scientific and artistic excellence in the community.

Dr. Barker's legacy at UAB and in Birmingham reflects his belief in encouraging young talent across all disciplines, making the institution both scientifically and culturally richer until his passing in 2002 at the age of 90.

About the Award

Established in 1995, the Samuel B. Barker Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies recognizes outstanding graduate students who exemplify Dr. Barker's commitment to academic excellence and community enrichment. Each year, applications are accepted starting at the beginning of the new year and with the final submission deadline falling on his birthday, March 3.  Awards are presented at both the master's and doctoral level to students who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their academic programs. 

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Barker Award, candidates must:

  • Be currently enrolled (full-time or part-time) as a graduate student at UAB
  • Demonstrate excellence in their academic programs

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on multiple factors that reflect Dr. Barker's multifaceted legacy such as:

  • Academic innovation and creativity: Integration of interdisciplinary, multifaceted, creative, and innovative approaches to their body of work (i.e. intersection of arts and sciences)
  • Benchmarks of productivity such as research accomplishments (publications and presentations), portfolios, gallery showings, etc.
  • Leadership, mentorship, and service to UAB, the broader Birmingham, and/or global community.

Application Process

A complete nomination packet must include:

  1. Application
  2. Two recommendation forms, supplied by the Graduate School (in lieu of recommendation letters) upon successful completion and submission of the scholarship application.
  3. The applicant's curriculum vitae or resume

Students may self-nominate, or Graduate Program Directors may recommend students apply, by submmitting an application using the online application link below.   Successful completion and submission of the scholarship application will automatically generate recommendation forms that will be emailed to the recommenders named in the application.

Winners are selected by the Dean of the Graduate School, and their names are permanently displayed on plaques in the Graduate School Office in Lister Hill Library.

Deadline and Submission

All application materials should be submitted electronically by March 3 of each year. For specific questions about the application process or eligibility requirements, please contact the Graduate School.

Recognition

Recipients of the Barker Award join a distinguished group of alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their graduate studies. This prestigious recognition honors not only their academic accomplishments but also their potential to make significant contributions to their fields and communities, continuing Dr. Barker's legacy of excellence in both scholarship and service.

Submit Application

Past Recipients

 

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