BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees appointed Michele Wilson, Ph.D., an associate professor emerita in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Sociology and Social Work at its Sept. 18 meeting.

Wilson, who retired in October 2008, is former director of the UAB Women's Studies Program. She is credited for being a tireless advocate for women and minorities.

Wilson guided and directed the citywide Women's Studies Consortium. She also chaired and organized the statewide committee report on "The Status of Women in Alabama."

She was a founding member and chair of the Mayor's Commission of the City of Birmingham, providing opportunities to educate and activate the community on women's issues. She also founded the Alabama Women's Health Initiative, an educational and advocacy group working on behalf of the health of women and girls in the state.

Her grassroots organizing and leadership abilities have been recognized by her membership on the National Board of the National Organization for Women (NOW).

For her efforts, Wilson received the 2007 UAB President's Diversity Award.

About the UAB Department of Sociology and Social Work

The UAB Department of Sociology and Social Work provides quality undergraduate training and original research, advancing knowledge, promoting health and social justice and service to the community, state, nation and world. Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, UAB is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center. Click here to learn more about applying to UAB.