October 4, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, AL — John Amos, O.D., chair of the department of optometry and director of the professional degree program in the UAB School of Optometry, has been named interim dean, effective October 15. He replaces Arol Augsburger, O.D., who will become interim provost on that date.

Jimmy Bartlett, O.D., will assume Amos’ position as chair of the Department of Optometry and Director of the Professional Degree (O.D.) program on an interim basis.

Amos, who joined UAB in 1972, earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate from the Illinois College of Optometry. He also holds a master’s degree in physiological optics from Indiana University. In 1994 he was named the American Optometric Association's Optometrist of the Year.

Bartlett earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorates from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. He joined UAB in 1980 and has served as the Director of the Residency and Fellowship Programs of the School of Optometry for more than six years. During the past year he was recognized by the Review of Optometry as one of the most influential optometrists of the millennium.