CEDHARS Director Dr. Jim RimmervCEDHARS Director Dr. Jim Rimmer, inaugural Lakeshore Foundation endowed chair in health promotion and rehabilitation science in the UAB School of Health Professions, was named the 2024 recipient of The Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award.
"This award reflects Dr. Rimmer’s remarkable contributions to interdisciplinary research and education, with a focus on promoting inclusion and accessibility in health promotion and rehabilitation sciences,” said School of Health Professions Dean Andrew Butler in the co-nominator letter. “Dr. Rimmer's extensive career is distinguished by a deep commitment to integrating these disciplines, striving to enhance the health, well-being and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”
The primary nominators for Rimmer were School of Health Professions Dean Butler, School of Engineering Dean Jeff Holmes and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Chair Vu Nguyen.
Established in 2009, the award recognizes a UAB faculty or staff member who embodies Dr. Brown’s vision, character and bridge-building talents, which are vital to the University’s growth and success and who, like Brown, demonstrates a deep and abiding commitment to collaborating across campus that enhances the research and teaching activities of the university.
“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award,” Rimmer said. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Dean Andrew Butler, whose commitment to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities has been a major priority for UAB and the School of Health Professions. Without his nomination, I would not have been considered for this honor. I also extend a special thanks to the committee for selecting me as the recipient and to the dedicated staff across our multiple centers, whose commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities has been instrumental.”
“This recognition reflects UAB’s dedication to advancing the health of people with disabilities through diverse research disciplines.”
Dr. Sam Brown was especially talented in facilitating partnerships and nurturing positive relationships among faculty and staff across campus that were vital to the future of UAB. At the time, UAB was in its infancy, deeming Dr. Brown’s approach and attitude particularly impactful. He assisted center directors in planning, organizing and implementing interdisciplinary research and training centers.
In addition to being the director of CEDHARS, Rimmer’s leadership of the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Recreational Technologies (RecTech) showcases his commitment to fostering collaborative research environments.
CEDHARS, founded in 2019, engages in cutting-edge inclusion science research and training, aiming to improve health and wellbeing across all ages with disabilities.
NCHPAD, established in 1999, serves as a premier public health resource promoting inclusive physical and social activities for people with disabilities, emphasizing individualized wellness journeys.
RecTech focuses on expanding knowledge on recreation technology through research, development and training, disseminating developments and collaborating with the private sector to make adaptive recreation technology widely available.
“Dr. Rimmer’s dedication to interdisciplinary research, education and his inclusive approach exemplifies the spirit of The Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award,” the co-nominators said. “His visionary leadership not only advances scientific understanding but also profoundly improves the lives of individuals with disabilities.”
Rimmer was also awarded because of his impactful work in education, having mentored numerous pre- and postdoctoral students and fellows throughout his career. Many of his mentees have received prestigious awards and fellowships, becoming successful researchers.
Notable among his recent mentees are Dr. Jereme Wilroy, Dr. Byron Lai and Dr. Mohan Thirualai who are now promising early career faculty members in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, showcasing the success of his mentorship and the profound impact on their professional development.
Additional nominators of Rimmer for the award include CEDHARS Co-Director Dr. Yuying Chen, Wilroy, Lai, Dr. Gordon Fisher, Dr. Robin Lanzi and Dr. James Hill.
Other recognitions of Rimmer’s achievements include receiving numerous awards such as UAB’s Joseph F. Volker Award and Richard B. Marchase Award, and the John Stanley Coulter Award from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.
