Angela Stowe, Ph.D., director of Student Counseling Services; Adrianne Marbury, program manager in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; and Shavon Sykes, unit secretary for Cardiovascular Services, are the 2021 fourth-quarter honorees for the UAB Shared Values in Action Program. The UAB VIP Awards honor employees whose work exemplifies and embodies one or more of the university’s shared values — integrity, stewardship, collaboration, accountability, respect, excellence and achievement, and diversity and inclusiveness.
Honorees are nominated by their colleagues and selected by a committee of individuals from across the campus and UAB Hospital. Nominations for first-quarter 2022 honorees are open through March 3; submit a nomination online. Beginning in 2022, one of 12 VIP Award honorees throughout the year will be selected for the new President’s Award for Excellence in Shared Values.
Angela Stowe, Ph.D. LEXI COON / University RelationsAngela Stowe
Stowe is dedicated to the mental health and wellness of her community and the students at UAB.
“Angela and the Student Health Services team have worked on the Student Health Services/Student Counseling Services integration for years, and that work continues daily in practice,” said Michael Faircloth, M.D., director of Student Health Services. “She also was highly involved in creating the B Well UAB app and currently is consulting with Jefferson State Community College and the Alabama State College System in an effort to provide education around best practices and how to implement and run a counseling center effectively for the college-age population lens.”
Mica Harrall, director of Wellness Promotion, says Stowe’s efforts to develop a training model for the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership is another example of her innovative mindset.
“Dr. Stowe developed a ‘train-the-trainer’ model for SIL staff to lead individualized wellness consultations with students, which provided one-on-one check-ins for nearly 100 students who might not be seeking counseling services yet still need extra support,” Harrall explained. “This initiative fits perfectly with our role as a Health-Promoting Campus by recognizing that everyone has a role in supporting and promoting student wellness. I can think of no better example of a UAB employee who consistently exemplifies our shared values.”
Nominators write that Stowe is well-known for exemplifying inclusivity and respect for others, whether they are UAB employees or students, and ensures each person can have a voice.
“Angela is intentional in creating a work environment that enhances employees’ professional development and fosters inclusion and diversity,” a nominator wrote. “She is innovative and leads with integrity and compassion.”
Adrianne Marbury LEXI COON / University RelationsAdrianne Marbury
During Marbury’s seven-year tenure in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, she has been instrumental in developing and continuing collaborative efforts that extend beyond UAB and support the entire community — as program manager for Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH), Marbury worked to establish a mentoring program with a Birmingham high school to provide monthly educational enrichment for students, then spearheaded the program’s switch to virtual in March 2020.
“Her efforts lead trainees toward experiences that develop a broader understanding of adolescents within diverse communities and create young health care professionals who are best prepared for advocating and treating adolescents,” said Heather Austin McGinnis, associate professor of adolescent medicine.
Tina Simpson, professor and director in the division, adds that Marbury’s attention to relationship management and communication skills continue to help her develop and maintain community partnerships through LEAH.
She also is noted by colleagues as a lifelong learner, pushing both herself and others to continue to grow and learn.
“She is a bright ray of sunshine in any space, and overall, Adrianne is an amazing woman who has a positive impact on everyone she meets and makes the world a better place,” McGinnis said.
Shavon Sykes LEXI COON / University RelationsShavon Sykes
Sykes began working at UAB Hospital 35 years ago in Food and Nutrition Services, before following her passion for care to become a patient care technician. Now, as the unit secretary for Cardiovascular Services, Sykes continues to seek opportunities for learning through attending educational offerings for non-licensed staff, a nominator says.
“Shavon is indeed an achiever,” they continued.
“Her expertise and clinical knowledge are widely recognized throughout the hospital,” another nominator wrote. “For example, during her years as a patient care technician, Shavon often went to draw blood on other units within the hospital when no one else could obtain it.”
Sykes also is known for her compassion for others, especially the patients she serves.
“She is recognized by doctors, registered nurses, patient care technicians, unit secretaries, physical therapists and social workers as being a strong patient advocate,” said Carolyn Curry, professional development specialist in Nursing Services.
“I have seen Shavon buy food for the homeless outside or within the hospital or for someone just needing a good meal,” a nominator wrote. “I have come to respect Shavon because she is earnest, resourceful, compassionate, consistent, dependable, fair and a problem-solver. She is a true leader.”
