After 10 years as a student and 25 years working at the UAB, Doug Rigney, Ph.D., interim vice president of Information Technology, has announced his retirement, effective May 31.
Rigney earned four degrees, including his doctorate, at UAB. Prior to his appointment as interim vice president for IT in September 2009, he was vice president of Student Affairs and special assistant to the provost, plus associate dean and assistant dean for academic and student affairs in the School of Engineering.
He has been a member of numerous campuswide committees and is a past president of the UAB National Alumni Society and the UAB Faculty and Staff Benevolent Fund Council. Rigney is a professor of biomedical engineering and holds secondary appointments as a professor in the Department of Materials and Mechanical Engineering and assistant professor in metallurgical engineering.
“I’ve experienced UAB from almost all perspectives: student, alumnus, professor and administrator,” Rigney said. “I have enjoyed my 35 years here and will remember fondly my studies and career, and the people with whom I have had the pleasure of making a difference for students, faculty and staff. I will always be grateful for the opportunities afforded me by UAB.”
UAB President Ray Watts, who also earned his undergraduate degree in engineering from UAB, thanked Rigney on behalf of the university for what he did with those opportunities.
| Doug Rigney developed the first strategic plan for the Office of Information Technology. As special assistant to the provost, he was responsible for implementing new student records and information systems. He also was instrumental in the 2006 opening of Blazer Hall, the first residence hall to have opened in more than 10 years at the time. |
“Doug has meant so much to UAB in all the different roles in which he has served,” Watts said. “His love for UAB is obvious in everything he does, and I’m sure he will continue to be one of our most dedicated ambassadors. We owe him a great deal of thanks for investing himself so completely in our success.”
Rigney developed the first strategic plan for the Office of Information Technology. As special assistant to the provost, he was responsible for implementing new student records and information systems. He also was instrumental in the 2006 opening of Blazer Hall, the first residence hall to have opened in more than 10 years at the time.
“The growth of this campus has been amazing,” Rigney said. “When I went to school here, it was basically parking spaces and classrooms. Now, with the Campus Green and other transformative projects and initiatives, this is a real college campus with a bright future. I am proud to have contributed to that growth and what it means to so many.”
A committee will be named to lead a nationwide search for Rigney’s replacement.
