Jeffrey Blount, M.D., Department of Neurosurgery professor and director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, and Assistant Professor Elizabeth Liptrap, M.D., were elected to a two-year term to serve as alternate senators for UAB Medicine on the UAB Faculty Senate.

The Faculty Senate represents UAB’s faculty in matters of shared governance. The Senate is made up of faculty representatives from all of UAB’s academic units, as well as four officers elected at-large by the faculty. Through senators’ participation in various councils and committees, members are able to convey the faculty’s views and concerns.

Blount and Liptrap will serve by attending monthly senate meetings, relaying issues from the medical campus, and voting if a senator is unable to be present. Blount and Liptrap’s terms will end on Aug. 31, 2022. Additionally, Liptrap sits on the Faculty Development Committee, and she is pleased to represent the Department of Neurosurgery and the School of Medicine.

“As a new faculty member at UAB, being on the Faculty Senate is a great way for me to become more involved in the university, network, and learn about opportunities for faculty development,” said Liptrap. “For the Department of Neurosurgery, it means having a direct transmission of any issues brought to the attention of the Faculty Senate and for the department to be quickly and easily notified of any university-wide research, educational or other opportunities.”

James Markert, M.D., MPH, Professor and James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery, is pleased that Blount and Liptrap are investing their time and energy in shaping and improving the institution through their service roles.

“These prestigious, elected-roles offer a unique opportunity to effect change throughout UAB,” said Markert. “And I am pleased that Drs. Blount and Liptrap have elected to serve in this way, representing the interests of faculty across the Department of Neurosurgery and the School of Medicine.”