Three at UAB Win National Role Model Awards

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Professor Johnny Scott M.D., administrator Cynthia Scott and doctoral student Annice Yarber M.S.W., received Minority Access Mentor Role Model Awards at the fourth annual National Role Models Awards Banquet September 14 in Washington, D.C.

September 22, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Professor Johnny Scott M.D., administrator Cynthia Scott and doctoral student Annice Yarber M.S.W., received Minority Access Mentor Role Model Awards at the fourth annual National Role Models Awards Banquet September 14 in Washington, D.C.

“I think it is a credit to UAB that Minority Access Inc. has selected three outstanding people: a faculty member, a recruiter and a graduate student to honor as role models,” said UAB vice president for Equity and Diversity, Louis Dale, Ph.D. “Minority Access made an excellent choice in these three individuals.”

Johnny Scott, M.D., is assistant dean of the School of Medicine and is co-director of the Minority Medical Education Program and the Health Profession Partnership Initiative, which attempt to increase the number of qualified minority students in biomedical research. The Minority Medical Education Program offers students summer education experiences and the opportunity to participate in biomedical research and clinical care. The Health Profession Partnership Initiative identifies and assists pre-high-school students with an interest in science. Scott has published 21 scientific papers, co-authored five book chapters and has published numerous abstracts.

Cynthia Scott is director of the UAB Office of Minority Recruitment and Retention. In 1988, she developed the Minority Scholars Retention Program (MSRP) to ensure the success of undergraduate scholars. Some services offered by the MSRP include a mentoring program, monthly meetings, a summer internship program, an early academic warning system, counseling, mid-term and end-of-term grade review, a student leadership program, a meet-the-professional symposium, a textbook exchange program and a test bank.

Yarber designed, developed and conducted job readiness training courses and skills enhancement programs for socially disadvantaged women and individuals recovering from addictions. She has also submitted a research paper for publication to a professional scientific journal and has presented several research projects at local and national meetings.

Yarber earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from UAB and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama where she graduated summa cum laude. She is now pursuing a doctorate in sociology at UAB.

Minority Access Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports efforts by individuals, institutions, federal, state and local government agencies and corporations to recruit and retain minority students and professionals. The Minority Access Inc. National Role Models Awards Banquet recognizes successful students, recruiters, mentors, researchers, alumni and innovators who provide support and guidance to others.