UA Rural Programs

06/17/2026

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Tommie Bolden, Jr. to our team!

Tommie is an administrative professional, educator, and organizational leader with a passion for service, community engagement, and leadership development. A graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in Music Administration and a minor in Business, he brings valuable experience in education, nonprofit leadership, program administration, and community outreach.

Currently serving as an Administrative Assistant with The University of Alabama’s Rural Programs and as National Secretary of his organization, Tommie is dedicated to fostering collaboration, strengthening communication, and creating meaningful impact through servant leadership.

His commitment to excellence, leadership, and community engagement continues to inspire those around him, and we are excited to have him as part of our team.

👏 Welcome, Tommie! We look forward to all the great things ahead.

06/17/2026

We are officially 1️⃣ month away from the 30th celebration of the Rural Medical Scholars Program. This milestone event is more than a celebration. It will be a chance to connect, reflect, and honor the legacy of a program that continues to change lives and communities.
⏰️Don't wait to secure your spot! Register today!

https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0TwOsAJ3Q9RnKfQ

06/09/2026

06/03/2026

Can you name everyone pictured? If not, you need to make sure you are registerd and meet us at the 30th Reunion Celebration for the Rural Medical Scholars!🎉

For three decades, the Rural Medical Scholars Program has opened doors, created opportunities, and inspired students to make a difference in their communities.

From rural roots to meaningful careers in healthcare, this program continues to leave a powerful legacy.

Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future!

Register here: https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0TwOsAJ3Q9RnKfQ

05/15/2026

2️⃣ months until the biggest party of the summer!🎉 Have you signed up yet?
You don’t want to miss this incredible celebration of 30 years of Rural Medical Scholars!

From building lifelong friendships to shaping future healthcare leaders, this program has made a lasting impact across Alabama and beyond.

Come celebrate the journey, the memories, and the future with us—register now!

https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0TwOsAJ3Q9RnKfQ

05/11/2026

What a wonderful semester for Rural Programs!

On April 25, we celebrated the end of our 2025–2026 cohort of Rural Medical, Rural Dental and Rural Community Health Scholars at our annual Convocation. This year’s speaker was Toni Ann Richard, and we were proud to announce Dr. Beverly Jordan as our 2026 Sage Award recipient.

On May 1, we had the privilege of witnessing the hard work and dedication of our RMS, RDS and RCHS as they crossed the stage at Coleman Coliseum. Thank you for an amazing year. We look forward to many more years to come!

04/29/2026

🎉Congratulations to Director of Education and Evaluation for Rural Programs, Dr. Antonio Gardner, on being sworn in as President-elect of The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE).

SOPHE is a nonprofit, independent professional association that represents a diverse membership of health promotion and health education professionals and students in the United States and several international countries.

04/21/2026

Have you signed up yet?👀

You don’t want to miss this incredible celebration of 30 years of Rural Medical Scholars!
From building lifelong friendships to shaping future healthcare leaders, this program has made a lasting impact across Alabama and beyond.
Come celebrate the journey, the memories, and the future with us—register now! ⚕️

04/07/2026

04/01/2026

🎉Please join us as we congratulate director of Rural Programs, Dr. Drake Lavender, for being awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the UASOM Medical Alumni Association.

The 2026 Alumni Awards Luncheon recognized six distinguished graduates of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine whose careers exemplify leadership, service, and excellence in their fields. 💚

Please join us in celebrating this year’s honorees—each making a profound impact on medicine, their communities, and beyond.

2026 Medical Alumni Award Recipients:
• Distinguished Service Award: P. Drake Lavender, Jr., M.D.
• Hettie Butler Terry Community Service Award: Will S. Rutland, M.D., J.D., MPH
• Garber Galbraith Medical-Political Award: David R. Thrasher, M.D.
• Martha Myers Role Model Award: Groesbeck P. Parham, M.D.
• Young Alumni Award: Rachel A. Lee, M.D., MSPH
• Distinguished Alumnus Award: James R. Stallworth, M.D., FAAP

We are proud to honor their achievements and grateful for the example they set for future generations of physicians.