A foundation of service and adaptability
Born in Gainesville, Ga., Harold Goss, MLS, Ed.D., grew up in a hardworking family with parents who were first-generation high school graduates. Shortly after graduation, his father was drafted into the military and served in the Vietnam War. Due to his father’s military service, Goss experienced life in various locations; including Georgia, South Carolina, California, and Germany. These early travels shaped his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.
Goss’s decision to join the Air Force through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) was a natural extension of his upbringing and took him to North Dakota, South Carolina, and South Korea. His personal time in the military instilled in him a profound sense of duty and an appreciation for different perspectives.
“The military experience put me in all kinds of situations, and I learned how to adapt,” Goss reflects. “It made me flexible and not afraid to be in different situations.”
Transitioning to higher education
Following his military service, Goss pursued a Master of Library Science at Clark Atlanta University. Upon graduation, Goss joined the faculty at Auburn University as a librarian. “Auburn was my introduction to the world of higher education,” he shares.
Goss then transitioned to the Harwell Goodwin Davis Library at Samford University to work in research services—where his role expanded beyond traditional library functions to include work with the athletics department. His involvement on the faculty athletic committee led him to become the associate athletic director for academics and compliance, allowing him to navigate the complex relationships between academics and athletics.
Prior to joining the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Goss completed his Doctorate in Higher Education and then accepted a role at the University of Alabama.
Joining our education team
Goss’s diverse background in military service, library science, and higher education administration made him uniquely qualified for his current roles in the department as assistant director of education and librarian. His responsibilities include managing the documentation of didactics, accreditations, and other educational requirements—critical aspects of medical training that often occur behind the scenes.
“Working in libraries and being service-oriented is very natural for the work I do,” he explains. “A big part of my role is to provide support to the clinical faculty and residents.”
Just as he ensured athletes met their academic and compliance requirements, Goss now ensures that residents and faculty meet their educational standards, allowing them to focus on patient care.
“Residents and physicians need to focus on patients, clinics, and the operating room. Behind the scenes, there are all these requirements that must be managed,” he shares. “Our education staff works to make sure these requirements are met.”
A culture of support and collaboration
Goss acknowledges the role of education division and department leadership in recognizing the alignment between his unique background and our department’s values. He enjoys building relationships with residents, faculty, and support staff, as well as contributing to a dynamic and supportive work environment. “We have a good group of people. Our work is fast and changing, and that matters,” he shares.
Goss’s story is not just an inspiration but a call to action for individuals who want to be part of a team that values diverse perspectives and strives for excellence.
“I did not realize that all of my life experience was getting me ready for a role like this,” he says. “But in my mind, it all fits together.”