The UAB Division of Student Affairs has many exceptional staff members who serve our students with professionalism, kindness, and integrity. Based on a pool of nominations each month, the Professional Development Committee announces the Employee of the Month.

The April Employee of the Month is Darien Garrison, assistant director of the Hill Student Center. Her excellent work ethic and commitment to UAB students and the Student Affairs mission make her a staffer to be celebrated.

What nominators said about Darien Garrison

Since day one as Hill Student Center Assistant Director, Darien has worked tirelessly to improve our operation and develop our student employment program. From developing a comprehensive student employee handbook, streamlining our hiring, and onboarding practices, implementing well-being check-ins with each student, and creating a welcoming/inclusive environment for all. Darien has fundamentally improved our department. At the core of her being, Darien is a staunch advocate and supporter of our students. Through fair and compassionate leadership, she has established herself as an exceptional role model and mentor to our student team, who routinely express their thanks and appreciation for her.

Darien’s exceptional work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement are best demonstrated by just a few notable initiatives she has completed recently. First, she has spent the past three years developing a comprehensive student training program that includes a four-day fall training, monthly all-staff meetings, a “spring refresh” training, and has multiple events/programs to recognize, appreciate and reward our students. This program includes HSC-specific training but includes numerous elements focused on customer service, transferable skills, DEI, and well-being.

Beyond her role as Assistant Director with HSC, Darien serves on multiple division-wide committees and regularly volunteers to assist with DoSA signature events. Darien was recently presented a DoSA Thank You coin for her exceptional work and support as a member of the planning team for the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network National Summit held at Hill Student Center this spring. She served as a First-Year Experience course instructor supporting the Blazing Start program last semester and routinely collaborates with occupants and colleagues throughout HSC, the DoSA, and across campus.

In addition, she was named ACUI Region III “New Professional of the Year” in 2021 and ACUI Region III “Volunteer of the Year” in 2022. She was also invited to present a session on innovative student leadership development at the ACUI Region III Conference at Emory University (Nov 22’) and the ACUI Annual Conference in Boston, MA (2023). Darien consistently demonstrates excellence as a practitioner and volunteer throughout the industry and will no doubt ensure UAB, the DoSA, and Hill Student Center remain a leader for years to come!