Stephen J. O’Connor, Ph.D., a professor in the UAB School of Health Professions Department of Health Services Administration (HSA), was awarded the Myron D. Fottler Exceptional Service Award by the Health Care Management (HCM) Division of the Academy of Management (AOM). This award, considered by many to be the most distinguished award given by the HCM Division, is not an annual award and is given only when a suitable nominee is presented. O’Connor was nominated by HSA colleague Robert Weech-Maldonado, Ph.D.

(pictured left to right: Weech-Maldonado, O'Connor, Fottler)

“Steve is dedicated to service. He is active in teaching and mentoring students, participating in more than 20 doctoral dissertations and nearly 40 master thesis committees,” said Weech-Maldonado, who is the L.R. Jordan Endowed Chair and a professor in HSA. “During my tenure at UAB I have been able to observe first-hand Steve’s collegiality, dedication and pursuit of excellence in everything he does.”

“The Academy of Management has been my primary professional association since 1987. Myron Fottler headed the Ph.D. Program in Administration – Health Services when I was a UAB student in the program during the 1980s,” said O’Connor. “He informed students about the Academy of Management and encouraged all of us to submit our best research papers to the Health Care Management Division. This is a huge honor and I thank Rob for nominating me for the award.”

O’Connor has taught at UAB since 2000. He was a visiting professor in the Master of International Health Management, Economics and Policy Program in the School of Management at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy from 2004 through 2009. O’Connor is the second UAB faculty member to win the award since its inception in 1999. He received the honor August 13, 2013, at the AOM Annual Meeting. The award namesake, Myron D. Fottler, is a former UAB professor and director of the UAB HSA Ph.D. Program.