November 17, 2008

Ruth Harrell. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Ruth Harrell, M.P.H., a longtime leader in Alabama's nursing profession, was named the 2008 Alumnus of the Year by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health.

Harrell of Flomaton is chairperson of the Coalition for a Healthier Escambia County. The volunteer group was formed 13 years ago to advocate for improved access to medical care in the wake of a rural hospital closing.

Harrell's reputation as a nursing leader in the state spans four decades and includes more than 30 years of working with the Alabama Department of Public Health. She is a past president of the Alabama Public Health Association and a two-term past president of both the Alabama State Nurses' Association and the nonprofit advocacy group VOICES for Alabama's Children.

"Countless people live longer, healthier lives because of the tireless work of Ruth," said Max Michael, M.D., dean of the School of Public Health. "She is force of nature in her field. Plus, she is an avid public health student recruiter, mentor to hundreds of graduates and strong supporter of our scholarships."

Harrell earned her B.S.N. degree from the Medical College of Georgia's College of Nursing, and her master's degree from UAB.

She began her career as a staff nurse in Conecuh County going on to become director of nursing for the Alabama Department of Public Health from 1987 to 1993. She served on many government task forces and committees studying issues from the nursing shortage to nurse practitioner networks. Harrell was inducted into the Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame in 2003.

At the national level, Harrell has served on a range of committees through the American Public Health Association, the American Nurses Association and other groups.