Heersink School of Medicine awarded nine staff members as the 2024 Dean’s Excellence Awards for Staff winners. Individuals selected for this honor showcased outstanding accomplishments beyond their daily duties and contributed considerably to Heersink’s core mission areas – education, clinical care, and basic, translational, and clinical research.
“The Dean’s Excellence Awards for Staff celebrate the dedication, commitment, and support of individuals who go above and beyond in their role," said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., dean of Heersink School of Medicine. "Each staff member chosen for an award this year has demonstrated exceptional efforts and contributed greatly to our mission and vision."
The individuals, nominated by peers and colleagues, were honored on Thursday, Sept. 5, at an awards reception in the Barbara and Edward Partridge Atrium in the Wallace Tumor Institute. See photos from the event.
Congratulations to the 2024 Dean’s Excellence Awards for Staff: Isaac Martinez Aguilar, Starlette Jones Dabbs, Meredith Fitz-Gerald, RN, MSN, Ashley Foster, Jennifer Hicks, MSHA, MBA, Jorice Johnson McCain, Mitch Nelson, Kelly Powell, and Anastasia Smith, DrPH, MPH.
Isaac Martinez Aguilar, Clinical Research Coordinator II, Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship
“Isaac has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing pediatric palliative care research and practice at the University of Alabama at Birmingham,” said Emily Johnston, M.D., M.S., assistant professor in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship. “His contributions have advanced our understanding of end-of-life care and fostered an inclusive and supportive environment for colleagues and patients.”
Since joining UAB in 2018, Martinez has contributed to research projects, trained new CRAs, and supported winter break and summer interns. His work includes coordinating single and multi-site research studies, conducting and supervising interviews with bereaved parents and medical providers, and drafting and reviewing manuscripts and grants for studies. Martinez also helped develop the first expert-panel-endorsed end-of-life quality measures for children with cancer and advanced heart disease patients. Most importantly, he has worked to ensure that his team’s research methods and language are culturally appropriate, which is essential to ensure that the research benefits all patients.
“I'm honored to receive the Dean’s Excellence Award for Staff, and I’m grateful to be recognized alongside such dedicated colleagues,” said Martinez. “This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire team and the importance of the work we do. It reinforces my commitment to continuing our research and advocacy to improve end-of-life care for children and families. I'm proud to be part of an institution that values and supports this critical work.”
Starlette Jones Dabbs, Joint Health Sciences Administrative Director III, Department of Genetics
Dabbs joined UAB in 2004 and graduated from the UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership in December 2023 as part of its seventh cohort.
“This award is a testament to the collaborative spirit and hard work of everyone in our office,” said Dabbs. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our collective success and to work alongside such talented and supportive colleagues.”
She currently serves on the Dean’s Office Executive Committee and was nominated for the 2024-2025 Momentum Leaders in Medicine program, a leadership development initiative for women in executive roles.
“Starlette has exemplified the qualities of an outstanding executive administrator. She possesses a rare blend of organizational acumen, interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to excellence,” said Jon Daniel Sharer, Ph.D., professor of Genetics. “Her ability to effectively manage complex administrative tasks, streamline operations, and foster collaboration among diverse teams has been instrumental in driving our organizational goals forward.”
Dabbs facilitates the development of research, clinical, education, and administration mission-specific goals, associated tactics, and implementation timelines. She also facilitated increased participation in teaching efforts within the Department of Genetics by networking with leadership teams across the institution to identify different categories of teaching contributions for undergraduate, graduate, and medical school courses.
“Starlette excels at promoting inclusivity within our institute, creating a welcoming environment for all staff and faculty,” said Matthew Might, Ph.D., director of Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute. “She demonstrates her commitment to inspiring and supporting others in their professional growth with proactive mentoring. Her reliable performance and strategic foresight have made her an indispensable leader within our institute and the broader Heersink community.”
Meredith Fitz-Gerald, RN, MSN, Director and Clinical Research Administrator, Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS)
"Receiving this award is an incredible honor," said Fitz-Gerald. "I’m proud to contribute to UAB’s clinical research efforts and to support the teams that are making groundbreaking advances in healthcare. This recognition humbles and inspires me to continue fostering a collaborative, innovative research environment. It is a true blessing to be surrounded by a wonderful team of co-workers and mentors who influence me daily."
Fitz-Gerald leads a team of over 25 professionals, managing more than 150 active clinical trials across UAB, the VA Medical Center, and Children’s of Alabama. Her contributions include overseeing regulatory compliance, mentoring future clinical researchers, and enhancing recruitment and retention strategies.
"Meredith’s commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire her team make her an invaluable asset to UAB. She is a consummate team player who works tirelessly to elevate our research programs and seek innovative ways to improve outcomes for patients and study participants," said Orlando M. Gutiérrez, M.D., director of the CCTS.
Ashley Foster, Education Administrator, Department of Dermatology
Foster completed her undergraduate studies at UAB with a degree in History and German. She then went on to achieve her master’s and doctorate in History at the University of Notre Dame. During her time at Notre Dame, Foster served as a teaching assistant, helping undergraduate students and advising freshman students specifically on responsibility and the transition into college, equipping them for academic success.
Foster joined the UAB Department of Dermatology in 2021 as the education administrator and quickly studied and learned the residency program. She is credited with revitalizing the residency program satisfaction scores by implementing innovative ideas to engage not only the trainees but also the faculty and staff in mentorship and community.
“As education administrator, Ashley fosters a sense of trust and belonging, and she advocates for our residents. She continually makes the effort to remember things that her colleagues, residents, and faculty care about, which allows us all to engage and understand each other better. This strength is one reason she was asked to serve on both the Staff Wellness and the Culture Committee. In these roles, Ashley leads department engagement initiatives. We see her success in these areas through our improved department surveys and the residents’ willingness to come to her with regards to their wellbeing,” said Lauren Kole, M.D., associate professor and Residency Program director for the Department of Dermatology.
Ashley's commitment to education extends beyond the department of dermatology to include teaching science and religion courses in the UAB Honors College and volunteering at the Alabama Literacy Council where she tutors adult students on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
“While I am honored to receive this recognition, I am conscious of the fact that I had extraordinary colleagues who have helped me succeed. I look at this award as a reflection of the gracious mentorship I received, one of the best aspects of working within the School of Medicine at UAB. I hope to reflect their commitment to staff growth and development,” said Foster.
Jennifer Hicks, MSHA, MBA, Director of Clinical Practice Operations, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care
A tireless advocate for patients, Hicks has been instrumental in advancing the Age-Friendly Health System initiatives at UAB, particularly focusing on the "What Matters?" aspect of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Age-Friendly Framework. She is a recognized expert in this area, ensuring that the care provided is aligned with the individual needs and preferences of older adults.
Hicks joined UAB in 2011, working in leadership roles of increasing responsibility in the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care. There, she directed the UAB site of the Palliative Care Leadership Center Training Program, which trained over 100 organizations to begin or expand palliative care, disseminating these practices nationwide. Her innovative mindset was integral in the creation of the Southeast Institute for Innovation in Palliative and Supportive Care in 2017 and in managing the Palliative Research Enhancement Program to promote pilot projects across UAB. She was also instrumental in her center’s successful application for University-Wide Interdisciplinary Research Center (UWIRC) status.
“As the administrator and clinical program director for Palliative Care and Serious Illness Services, Jennifer Hicks leads our team with compassion and inclusivity. She actively identifies the unheard voices who need to be at our table to grow our impact and enrich our community character,” said nominator Professor Susan McCammon, M.D. “I cannot imagine the care of seriously ill patients at UAB without her unmistakable influence.”
Jorice Johnson McCain, Human Resources Partner Generalist Lead, Heersink School of Medicine Dean’s Office
A UAB alumna, McCain has been a dedicated human resources (HR) professional since 2007. After transitioning from private industry in 2017, she joined UAB’s Benefits Department, where she became a trusted adviser to the Heersink faculty and staff on complex benefits issues.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this award,” said McCain. “Although it bears my name, it represents much more than my individual efforts. This award is a testament to the incredible support, mentorship, and opportunities I have been fortunate to receive at UAB. It reflects the belief that others had in me, seeing potential worth nurturing. This recognition is as much theirs as mine, a shared celebration of the collective effort that has guided and inspired my journey. I am profoundly grateful for the trust and encouragement that has been instrumental in my growth and success."
Her expertise and commitment led to the Dean’s Office recruiting her as a personnel generalist in February 2020, just before the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, McCain quickly established herself as a key member of the HR team, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and exceptional service. She played a crucial role in supporting the school’s core missions by developing new processes and partnerships, which were vital in maintaining the school’s accreditation status during a time of unprecedented change.
Her innovative leadership and dedication were further highlighted when she was appointed as the strategic HR partner for the Department of Medical Education in February 2022. In this role, she led efforts to revamp HR support structures, ensuring equitable pay and fostering inclusivity. “She came into Medical Education, and, at the same time, a new executive director was hired to work in partnership with her. Together, they navigated the Great Resignation, necessitating deliberate and carefully orchestrated recruitment efforts across multiple units,” said Department of Medical Education Chair and Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Craig Hoesley, M.D.
McCain’s commitment to excellence is encapsulated in her willingness to tackle new challenges. As her nominators stated, “Her answer is never ‘no,’ but ‘let me find out.’” This attitude, combined with her ongoing pursuit of personal and professional growth, exemplifies her as an outstanding leader and advocate for the UAB community.
Mitch Nelson, Administrative Director, Department of Surgery
UAB Department of Surgery Administrative Director Mitch Nelson has led a remarkable career, impacting countless Heersink staff members, trainees, and faculty in his over thirty years of service.
While employed by the Department of Surgery, Nelson shares his breadth of administrative knowledge across divisions and departmental entities. His current scope of work includes serving as a billing and revenue cycle liaison for Urology, Otolaryngology, Orthopaedics, and Legacy of Hope, as well as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the UAB Orthotics and Prosthetics programs.
“Mitch is an indispensable fixture across UAB Surgery and beyond,” says UAB Department of Surgery Executive Administrator Mary McDougal, MPA. “His professional demeanor, depth of institutional knowledge, and ability to make people feel at ease bring an uplifting atmosphere to every project Mitch tackles.”
Nelson is known for his ability to connect well with others and has been instrumental in enacting necessary change and policy improvements beyond the departmental level to benefit faculty and their patients.
"Our department and the Heersink School of Medicine are made better by Mitch’s dedication and ability to enact critical improvements,” says Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair of Surgery Herbert Chen, M.D. “We’re thankful for his many contributions and are thrilled to celebrate him and his impactful career through the Dean’s Excellence Award.”
Nelson is well-known for his willingness to support all strategic endeavors across UAB – with no task too big or small for his support. His experience with medical education and research at UAB is extensive, including providing insight into research finance data for PIs and program directors, onboarding and offboarding large labs, and negotiating research funding from outside institutions.
“It’s an honor to be considered for the Dean’s Excellence Award and an even greater joy to be selected,” adds Nelson. “The Heersink School of Medicine is made better by the talented faculty and dedicated staff who work to improve the lives of our patients, our community, and beyond each and every day – it’s truly humbling to be counted among them.”
Kelly Powell, Program Manager, Office of Academic Initiatives and Programs
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be chosen for the Dean’s Excellence Award,” said Powell. “It has been a remarkable journey to assist in the development of innovative educational programming. Being a part of this team and receiving tremendous support from leadership has driven these programs' success, and I am excited to see what the future holds!”
Powell manages the Master’s in Global Health degree, oversees four certificate programs—AI in medicine, digital health care, health care innovation, and translation of biomedical innovations to clinical practice—and has played a significant role in the curriculum development for the Master’s in AI in Medicine degree.
“Kelly has been a cornerstone in developing new systems, building and working across diverse teams, and providing key infrastructure to faculty both within and outside the School of Medicine and UAB,” said Cristin Gavin, Ph.D., associate dean of biomedical programs at the Heersink School of Medicine. “Her positive ‘can do’ attitude, unwavering reliability, and strong sense of diplomacy have been critical for supporting both the Biomedical Innovation and Global Health institutes since their inception.”
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Powell graduated from and began a career at UAB that spans departments, schools, and years. That knowledge of UAB’s mission, students, and programs has allowed her to flourish as a program manager. Powell has helped the global health program interface with nine other international universities, fostered collaborative relationships between UAB schools, and elevated the academic capabilities of every student in her program.
Anastasia Smith, DrPH, MPH, Clinical Research Coordination Manager, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Smith has been a pivotal figure in pediatric neurosurgery since 2011, when she began her career as a graduate research assistant before advancing to program coordinator and, ultimately, to her current role.
Professor of Neurosurgery Brandon Rocque, M.D., MS, who works closely with Smith, praised her as the “heart of the academic mission of our division.” Smith oversees a team of three research coordinators and has significantly contributed to making the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery the largest participant in several national clinical research networks, including the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) and the CDC's National Spina Bifida Patient Registry.
Smith’s dedication to meticulously managing regulatory tasks, patient enrollment, and data collection has earned the Children’s of Alabama clinical network site recognition as a model for HCRN participation. Beyond her official duties, she leads a robust group of student researchers, mentoring between 10 and 25 students at any given time. Her guidance has enabled more than two dozen students and neurosurgery residents to present their research at major national and international conferences.
In addition to her work in research, Smith has recently expanded her role to include advocacy, playing a crucial part in a global effort for folic acid fortification. Her contributions led to a World Health Organization resolution, adopted at the 2023 World Health Assembly, which aims to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects like spina bifida worldwide.
“There are many talented colleagues who deserve this award, which makes it a true privilege to be recognized with the 2024 Dean’s Excellence Award for Staff,” said Smith. “I look forward to continuing to provide excellent service to the department and the university.”