Carol Z. Garrison, the sixth president of the University of Alabama Birmingham, has announced that she will step down as soon as an interim president can be selected. Dr. Garrison has been president of UAB since 2002.
A native of Montclair, New Jersey, Dr. Garrison earned her bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She also holds a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Alabama Birmingham. Dr. Garrison was a faculty member, department chair, dean, and associate provost during a 15-year career at the University of South Carolina. She joined the University of Louisville as provost in 1997 and was appointed interim president there in early 2002.
In a statement, President Garrison wrote, “I have had an extremely rewarding 10 years as president of UAB. Together, we have achieved much — record enrollments year after year with diverse and accomplished students; many new facilities; national recognition for research, community engagement, academic programs and health care quality; and an economic impact that exceeds $4.6 billion annually. That is why I can confidently begin a new chapter in my life.”