Ray Watts and Janet May

Each year in March, employers across the nation take the opportunity to celebrate their employees on National Employee Appreciation Day. UAB leadership applauds its faculty and staff, today and every day, for their contributions to the workplace and to the overall mission of the institution.

“Our people are to thank for every success we celebrate and step forward we take,” said UAB Chief Human Resources Officer Janet May. “Without their talent, enthusiasm and inspiring dedication, UAB would not be the internationally renowned research university and academic medical center it is today.”

UAB is continuing to build on the pillars of its mission in 2025 through ongoing projects like the SUCCESS initiative, which aims to build on UAB’s enrollment growth over the last 10 years, and Research Strategic Initiative: Growth with Purpose. Progress in these and numerous other areas would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of this institution’s employees.

“At the heart of all of our strategic planning, execution and continued success is the deep commitment and contributions of our people in all areas of campus,” said UAB President Ray Watts. “The outstanding work done daily, in whatever role, ensures we continue to operate efficiently and effectively, excel in all pillars of our multifaceted mission, and have a greater impact on people’s lives than ever.”

UAB Human Resources strives to support its faculty and staff by providing resources to help them succeed, both in and out of the workplace. Visit the Faculty & Staff Development page to explore tools and programs, including …

• UAB Learning & Development recently added a series of workshops focusing on the new UAB Shared Values: We CARE (Collaborate, Act with Integrity, Respect All, Excel) to its lineup of professional development programs. The virtual sessions offer a personal application of a UAB shared value through self-reflection, interactive discussions and practical exercises. 
• Through the UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center, employees and members of their immediate households have access to free, confidential support services, including up to 15 counseling sessions a year. The EACC’s team of licensed and certified mental health professionals specialize in individual counseling, marriage and family therapy, play therapy, substance use disorders aftercare, EMDR, aging and caregiver concerns, career exploration, financial wellness, art therapy, and more.

In an effort to recognize deserving members of the UAB community, faculty and staff are also invited to submit nominations for the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching or the UAB Values in Action Program (UAB VIP Award/President’s Award for Excellence in Shared Values). These prestigious awards represent the highest honor reserved for faculty and staff, respectively. Nominations are open now.

UAB leaders are proud to celebrate the employees who continue to shape the future of this institution and are thankful for all they do for UAB.