Barber Gifts Enable Establishment of Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology

Thanks to a generous gift from George W. Barber Jr., UAB has been able to establish the Julius N. Hicks endowed Chair in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery in honor of the former director of the division in the Department of Surgery.

September 19, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Thanks to a generous gift from George W. Barber Jr., UAB has been able to establish the Julius N. Hicks endowed Chair in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery in honor of the former director of the division in the Department of Surgery.

Barber recently provided more than $350,000 to increase his total contributions to the fund to more than $650,000. Barber’s gifts, combined with others and interest earned on those gifts, has brought the total endowment to more than $1 million.

“It is very heart-warming for me to be able to make this gift so that UAB can establish this chair to honor Dr. Julius Hicks,” Barber said. “Buddy Hicks has touched so many lives as a teacher, researcher and physician, and I am pleased that this chair allows UAB to bring in someone who is able to carry on that tradition.”

“Mr. Barber has a long history of service to UAB,” said UAB President Carol Garrison. “He has been most generous with his time and resources in support of our goals. This most recent gift will help ensure that we continue to have faculty physicians who are among the best in the nation, and this chair is a fitting tribute to Julius Hicks.”

Dr. Hicks joined UAB as an assistant professor in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery in 1961, advancing through the ranks to become professor and director of the division in 1985. He retired from the university in 1992.

Born in Enterprise, Alabama, Hicks received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from Duke University Medical School. He was highly respected as a distinguished surgeon and visionary leader who garnered admiration by medical students, residents, fellows, administrators and colleagues.

In addition to being a renowned clinician and researcher, Hicks was active both professionally and civically. He served as vice president of the Southern Section of the Triological Society, President of the Alabama Society of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and much more. His civic work has included serving on the men’s committees of the Alabama Symphony and the Birmingham Ballet Ball of Roses, and as a member of the board of directors of the UAB Golden 100.