Jason Douglas, CTO at Naphcare, and Brad Cain, CEO for the NaphCare Charitable Foundation.While studying computer science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Jason Douglas formed strong bonds with his professors—including Professor Emeritus Dr. Anthony Barnard—and committed long hours to his programming assignments. Along with engaging coursework and knowledgeable faculty, the department also provided helpful advisors who illuminated future job and internship opportunities—one of which proved to be lifechanging for Douglas.
“I answered and thankfully replied to an email sent out from our academic advisors advertising summer job opportunities. NaphCare was one of the companies listed. Answering that one ad has grown into a 20-year career with NaphCare,” said Douglas, chief technology officer at NaphCare.
NaphCare is a company that partners with government agencies to provide innovative healthcare, technology, and administrative solutions to address complex problems within the correctional and justice systems. The company is now celebrating 35 years in business and continues to look for ways to support talented tech professionals—much like Douglas—in the Birmingham area. One way NaphCare supports this effort and others is through its private non-profit foundation, the NaphCare Charitable Foundation, which was established in 2011.
“The Foundation’s mission is to advance the safety and welfare of communities through research, educational programs, and scholarship opportunities,” said Brad Cain, chief executive officer for the NaphCare Charitable Foundation. “In order to accomplish this, we are engaged in ongoing scientific research, exploring artificial intelligence options for patient care, testing patient wearable devices, developing corrections-specific programs, and other programs aimed at improving the health and welfare of justice-involved persons.”
In pursuing this mission, Cain and the NaphCare Charitable Foundation team identified an opportunity at Douglas’ former academic home—UAB’s Department of Computer Science. Specifically, the Foundation provided a generous donation to establish the NaphCare Endowed Scholarship in Computer Science at UAB, which aims to provide financial support to students majoring in computer science.
“As a means to stay connected to Birmingham and continue to generate top talent in the area, the Foundation chose to establish the NaphCare Endowed Scholarship in Computer Science at UAB as part of our commitment to educational programs and scholarships opportunities,” said Cain. “Additionally, we have several leaders and team members of the NaphCare family of companies that are UAB alumni who have experienced the academic excellence that the University offers. Those are the people we want to attract to NaphCare and the Foundation.”
“UAB continues to be an incubator for technological talent within Alabama. This scholarship underscores our dedication to expanding opportunities for future generations,” said Cain.
Looking ahead, Douglas is optimistic that this scholarship will have a positive impact on students, perhaps leading them into prosperous tech careers much like his own at NaphCare.
“We believe this scholarship will empower aspiring students in the field of computer science, open doors to a brighter future, and foster innovation within our communities,” said Douglas.
The College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Computer Science thank the NaphCare Charitable Foundation for its generous gift.
