The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Associate Professor and UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model System Project Director Rachel Cowan, Ph.D., was selected to serve a second term in the UAB Faculty Senate. 

The Faculty Senate represents UAB’s faculty in matters of shared governance. The Senate consists of faculty representatives from all of UAB’s academic units, as well as four officers elected at large by the faculty. Through participation in various councils and committees, they convey the faculty’s views and concerns in matters that affect the University.

During Cowan’s first term, she served as the finance committee vice chair. This year, she is chairing the committee, making her a faculty representative on the University Wide Budget Advisory Committee.

In her new leadership role, she is excited to expand her knowledge of university finances and learn how decisions are made. Most faculty do not receive the opportunity to gain insight into university finances as part of their day-to-day activities.

“As members of the finance committee, we attend a one-day Finance Academy where major topics are presented and discussed in all areas of operations,” says Cowan. “We are then able to advocate on behalf of faculty and the issues affecting them. However, we also advocate on issues that primarily affect students, trainees, and staff. Part of the reason that UAB daycare was expanded was the activity of past Senate Finance Committees.”