The second cohort of UAB’s Chairs and Deans Leadership Academy, a signature initiative of the Office of the Provost, celebrated 15 graduates in late spring 2026.
The ceremony, held at the Heersink School of Medicine, featured remarks from university leaders followed by a reception. Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Janet Woodruff-Borden, Ph.D., congratulated the leaders on their success.
“By investing in your own growth through this academy, you have sent a clear message: that you are not content with the status quo,” Woodruff-Borden said. “You are committed to building departments that are more inclusive, more agile and more intellectually ambitious. You are the bridge between the high-level aspirations of this institution and the daily reality of our academic life.”
Woodruff-Borden also highlighted the leadership of Michelle Robinson, DMD, senior vice provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs, who conceptualized the academy in 2024. Originally designed for department chairs, the program expanded in 2025 to include assistant and associate deans.
“What began as a way to support department chairs has quickly evolved into something larger — a leadership ecosystem that prepares faculty to take on increasingly complex roles, including at the dean level,” Robinson said. “We are intentionally building a pipeline of leaders who understand both the academic mission and how to advance it at scale.”
Developed in partnership with Triangle Associates, a consulting firm specializing in leadership development in higher education, the program reflects UAB’s commitment to supporting faculty leaders and preparing them to navigate an increasingly complex academic environment. These challenges include changing student needs, growing administrative demands, and the rapid pace of innovation shaping teaching and research.
The 15 graduates represent a broad cross-section of the university, with expertise spanning nine schools and colleges, as well as UAB Libraries. Participants are nominated by their deans and complete the yearlong program while continuing in their leadership roles.
Participants receive individualized coaching and professional development sessions, engage in small-group peer coaching and mentoring, and build skills through practice with difficult conversations and strategic communication.
Graduates of the 2025-2026 Chairs and Deans Leadership Academy
- Edwin Aroke, Ph.D. (School of Nursing)
- Mark Bevensee, Ph.D. (Honors College)
- Curry Bordelon, DNP (School of Nursing)
- Jason Byrd (UAB Libraries)
- Jessica Chambliss, Ph.D. (School of Public Health)
- Kathy Clark, Ph.D. (School of Education and Human Sciences)
- Retta Evans, Ph.D. (School of Education and Human Sciences)
- Barbara Gower, Ph.D. (School of Health Professions)
- John Hansen, Ph.D. (Collat School of Business)
- Kevin McCain, Ph.D. (College of Arts and Sciences)
- John Moore, Ph.D. (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Emma O’Hagan (UAB Libraries)
- Ellen Smith, Ph.D. (School of Nursing)
- Tedra Smith, DNP (School of Nursing)
- Justin Turner, M.D. (Heersink School of Medicine)
The program will resume in 2027-2028.