August 25, 1982: UAB alumna Barbara Crozier, Miss Wheelchair Alabama, was selected as the 1983 Miss Wheelchair, USA. April 1996: Murry Bartow became the second head coach of the Men's Basketball team. Ray L. Watts, M.D. Drs. August 1, 2013: Dr. J. Iwan D. Alexander became the sixth dean of the School of Engineering. March 15, 2012: Dr. Michael S. Reddy became the eighth dean of the School of Dentistry. June 1951: Eunice White received a bachelors degree from the University of Alabama School of Nursing, becoming the schools first graduate. 1939: The University of Alabama's Birmingham Extension Center had an enrollment of 365 students. May 26, 1925: Jimmie Ethel Montgomery received a B.S. October 1968: For the fall term, history faculty member Dr. Jack D. L. Holmes offered a course in African American history. September 17, 1999: The UAB Pancreaticobiliary Center and the UAB Voice Treatment Center were approved by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees. June 25-July 9, 1992: UAB faculty member and alumnus Dr. Lawrence J. DeLucas participated in NASA space mission STS-50 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Dr. Thomas J. Boll was later named as the center's first director. September 13, 1991: Peter L. Lowe and Maury D. Smith were elected to the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. Champ Lyons to the Board of Regents of the National Library of Medicine. January 9, 1963: The Birmingham chapter of the American Association of University Professors was organized in a meeting at the Medical Center. 1979: Dr. Carl E. Dukes completed an internal medicine residency program and service as the first African American selected as UAB's chief medical resident. 2005 Larry Mayes Scholarship for Study of Tropical Medicine Over 10,000 packed the arena to an over-capacity crowd. 1952: Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, an Alabama native practicing radiology in Michigan, agreed to donate his personal library and collection of rare medical texts and manuscripts to the medical school in Birmingham. March 8, 1989: Dr. Juan M. Navia became acting dean of the School of Public Health. September 1965: Sarah Louise Fisher became the first African American student in The University of Alabama School of Nursing, then located on the campus in Tuscaloosa. December 12, 1996: The UAB Laser and Photonics Research Center (later renamed as the Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies) was approved by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees. UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences, Lister Hill Library at University Hospital, 2023 The University of Alabama at Birmingham. August 25, 2014: For the sixth consecutive year, fall enrollment at UAB set a record. Mrs. K. Lemone Yeilding elected as the club's first president. April 27, 1965: Dr. July 24, 1978: Upon the retirement of Sarah Cole Brown, Richard B. Fredericksen became second director of the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences. May 8, 1968: Dr. Arnold G. Diethelm successfully performed the Medical Center's first kidney transplant. (Tony) Jones, M.D.President and Chief Physician ExecutiveUniversity of Alabama Health Services Foundation, C. Seth Landefeld, M.D.Professor and Spencer Chair in Medical Science LeadershipChair, Department of Medicine, Vanessa LeonardOwnerLeonard Mitchell Consulting, Tim LewisPresident and CEOTALA Professional Service, Charles D. Perry, Jr.Founder and Principal (retired)Highland and Associates. She also became the first Blazer, male or female, to win a collegiate Grand Slam event. June 20, 2008: The UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science was approved by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees. October 5, 1974: The Silver Anniversary Celebration of the UAB Town and Gown Theatre was the inaugural theatrical event held at the citys new Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Currently, he is the UAB Medical Director of Telehealth, Director of the UAB Home Dialysis Program, and co-director . August 2000: The Carnegie I Research University designation was replaced with Carnegies new classification as a Doctoral/Research-extensive University.. 2007: The School of Public Health first presented the Lou Wooster Public Health Hero Award, which is named in honor of Birmingham's famed 19th century madam. July 1, 1985: The university launched the first Capital Campaign with a goal of $25 million. September 27, 1969: The first eight students began classes in the new School of Optometry. July 12, 1957: University Hospital School of Nursing received full accreditation from the National Nursing Accreditation Service. October 1999: The Eye Foundation Hospital at UAB was renamed the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital at UAB in honor of founder Dr. Alston Callahan. February 1980: Brenda Williams became the second head coach of Women's Volleyball. Dr. William H. Anderson returned as dean. At this first graduation, 478 students received degress from the new university. September 25, 2017: A ribbon-cutting ceremony opened the new UAB Meadow Classroom in a 1,500 acre wooded area within Birminghams Red Mountain Park. October 26, 1979: The John J. Sparkman Center for International Public Health Education was approved as an official center by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees. September 1959: A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Fort Mortimer H. Jordan Alabama National Guard 109th Evacuation Hospital Armory. April 13, 2017: The new INTO UAB Center, housed on the second floor of the Mervyn H. Sterne Library, was officially dedicated. August 23, 1994: Dr. J. Claude Bennett announced plans for the UAB football team to advance to NCAA Division I-A play in 1996. July 1962: Eye Foundation Hospital groundbreaking ceremony was held. July 1, 2012: Dr. Donna K. Arnett became the sixth UAB faculty member to serve as president of the American Heart Association. Kaitrin Parris, DNP, RN, CNE Assistant Professor September 1, 1987: Effective on this date, all indoor public areas of the UAB Medical Center became smoke free. 1979-1980: Beauregard T. Rooster became the official mascot for the UAB Blazers, the university's second mascot. Director, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for International Nursing SCHOLARS@UAB PROFILE. August 17, 2018: Dr. Michael Saag, director of the UAB Center for AIDS Research, received the inaugural Marchase Award. 1978: Howard G. Hawk became the first UAB student named as a Truman Scholar. 1944: Fifty-four students, including three females, graduated as the last class of the two-year basic medical sciences program in Tuscaloosa. 1977: Sports Medicine Institute established as an official UAB center. 2015 Recognized as one of Birminghams Best Physicians, B-Metro Magazine November 19, 1999: The UAB Acute Chest Pain Center and the UAB Heart Center were approved by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees. May 18, 1969: The Occupational Rehabilitation Center was dedicated at 1616 6th Avenue South. Stephen L. Hajduk and Richard M. Allman were named directors of the centers. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and currently serves as a Trustee of the Alabama Chapter of the American Hospital Association. 2008: Finis E. St. John, IV, was elected president pro tempore of The University of Alabama Board of Trustees. August 24, 2018: The Collat School of Business Building was formally opened along the north side of University Boulevard. May 9, 2019: UAB President Ray L. Watts became the interim Chief Executive Officer of the UAB affiliated Southern Research Institute. June 1968: Barbara Walker Mitchell became the first African American graduate of the University Hospital School of Nursing. Director of Program Development at University Hospital-UAB Odenville, Alabama, United States. Schedule an Appointment Find a Provider UAB Medicine Wayfinder. April 1970: South Wing of University Hospital opened. June 5, 1990: Groundbreaking was held for the Bevill Biomedical Research Building. September 12, 1975: The School of Optometry Building was dedicated. June 1972: UAB Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System was established with Dr. John M. Miller, III, as director. May 1967: The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded UAB a grant to establish a Regional Technical Institute for Health Occupations. January 1, 2010: The College of Arts and Sciences replaced the separate Schools of Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Social and Behavioral Sciences. 1964: A gift from Fay Fletcher Kerner made possible the first endowed chair at the Medical Center, the Fay Fletcher Kerner Chair of Surgery. June 1, 2014: Dr. J. Fred Olive, a long time member of the library faculty, became interim director of the Mervyn Sterne Library upon the retirement of Dr. Jerry W. Stephens. 1968: The Alabama Ballet, formerly known as the Alabama State Ballet, became an affiliate of UAB. November 11, 2004: Dr. William J. Koopman presented the forty-first Distinguished Faculty Lecture, Leadership in Academic Medicine.. August 1, 2017: Dr. Michael J. Birrer became the fourth director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. September 1, 1971: Ballet House opened in the renovated Second Presbyterian Church building on 10th Avenue South. August 1, 2022: Dr. Daryl Green became the sixth Chief of Police. The Glacier freezer unit had been aboard the ISS since April 2014 and the Polar freezer unit had been aboard the station since July 2019. Associate VP for Public Safety and Chief of Police Anthony Purcell. May 30, 1954: Claudia Holcombe Heard and Ruth Ehricke became the first female graduates of the School of Dentistry. October 1, 1999: Dr. Michael J. Froning became interim dean of the School of Education. The 100-panel system will generate power for the university and will be used for coursework and research by faculty and students. Anton J. Bueschen and Carlton J. There were also numerous volunteer faculty (i.e. degree becoming the School of Optometry's first female graduate. May 6, 1988: The Center for Management Study was established with Dr. M. Gene Newport as first center director. December 1, 2004: Dr. Michael R. Waldrum became chief operating officer for University Hospital, with responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the hospital. March 1, 2006: Dr. Cynthia G. Brumfield became University Hospitals third chief-of-staff, the first female to be named to the position. February 7, 2003: James W. Wilson III was elected to The University of Alabama Board of Trustees. 1911: Dr. Eugene DuBose Bondurant became the fourth dean of the Medical College of Alabama. December 29, 2010: Harold Warren became the second head coach of the Women's Soccer team. October 24, 1997: Dr. Suzanne Oparil delivered the thirty-fourth Distinguished Faculty Lecture, "Academic Family Values, or Can This Marriage Be Saved?". UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. April 23, 1989: The first artificial heart used in Alabama was implanted at University Hospital as a temporary measure while the patient awaited a heart transplant. The Blazers ended the regular season with an overall record 10-3 and conference 7-1; the best year ever for UAB football. November 22, 2014: Ameen Barghi, a double-major in the undergraduate neuroscience program, became the third UAB student to be named as a Rhodes Scholar. Dr. Harold J. Fallon was named as interim director of the new center. September 27, 1989: A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Center for Psychiatric Medicine. 1902: Dr. John W. Abercrombie became president of The University of Alabama and served until 1911. She came to UAB from Tulane University. 1959: Research grants, training grants, and fellowships at the Medical Center exceeded $1,000,000. June 3, 1979: E. Karen King became the first African American female graduate of the School of Optometry. 1982: The Alabama Legislature and the voters of Alabama approved a constitutional amendment increasing the membership on the University of Alabama Board of Trustees from eight to fifteen, with the aim to provide diversity and better representation on the governing board of the three campus University of Alabama System. Dr. Jones, whose selection had been announced in June, came to UAB from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. August 1954: The Report of the Special Survey Committee, called the "Duckett Jones Report" for its chief author, was released. September 1980: The Army ROTC program was initiated at UAB, one of 41 universities throughout the country to gain an Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. The bombing killed an off-duty police officer and seriously injured a clinic nurse. March 14, 2015: The UAB Blazers defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 73-60 to win the C-USA men's basketball championship, UAB's first Conference USA basketball title. 1978: Peter N. Derzis, Jr., became UAB's first Sports Information director. The first graduate in Birmingham was Homer W. Allgood. September 12, 1912: The trustees of the proprietary Birmingham Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical College transferred all land, buildings, and equipment to The University of Alabama Board of Trustees, who agreed to continue the school until the enrolled students completed their studies. Company: UAB Hospital. Deal was named interim director and CEO. 2013: UAB announced plans for a campus-wide in-house bus transportation system to begin operation in 2014. She received the honorary Master of Arts degree. June 17, 1979: The Spain Heart Bed Tower, Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium, Wallace Cancer Bed Tower, and East Base were dedicated as part of the "New U" celebrations. October 4, 1993: Kevin E. Lofton became first executive director of University Hospital and the first African American to direct University Hospital. July 1, 1992: Dr. Charlie W. Scott became interim dean of the School of Medicine. When Birmingham became home to the four-year medical school, the county gave the UA Board of Trustees both hospitals. 2011 Hugh Jackson Morgan Best Fellow Teacher Award: Awarded by Housestaff June 17, 1987: The Center for Research in Oral Biology superseded the Institute of Dental Research. Clyde G. Cox was the center's first director. 1986: Men's Volleyball and the Riflery teams were eliminated as team sports chiefly due to NCAA regulations for sports allowed per member institution. June 3, 1986: Cudworth Hall was renamed the UAB Continuing Education Center. The clinic, which took its name from the buildings street address in order to protect the confidentiality of patients, was founded and first directed by Dr. Michael S. Saag. January 3, 2014: UAB Campus Ride and Campus Escort services were discontinued. July 1, 2017: Dr. Lynn Kirkland, chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, became interim dean of the School of Education. Polly Ayers and Eleanor A. Dr. Jorge I. de la Torre was named director of the new center. This was the first time a championship bout had ever been held in the State of Alabama and it was the largest crowd to ever attend an event at Bartow. October 24, 1964: Drs. September 1, 1978: The UAB Police Department assumed campus-wide responsibility for the enforcement of University parking rules and regulations.. May 1, 2018: Dr. Michelle A. Robinson became interim dean of the School of Dentistry. June 23, 2000: The University of Alabama Board of Trustees approved the Center for Disaster Preparedness (later renamed in 2003 as the Center for Emergency Care and Disaster Preparedness). Dr. Dohlstrom was the first male appointed to the Tuscaloosa nursing school faculty. Dr. Donna J. Peterson was the center's first director. She earned her medical degree from the Calicut University, Kerala, India. 1977: Dr. Robert Glaze became first vice president for Research and Graduate Studies. While HEW made a few suggestions for administrative improvements, the university was noted for its progress. Events were held on campus the week of April 23-27. 1983: Don Young was named director of Financial Affairs and University Treasurer. March 18, 1967: Dr. Thomas E. Hunt delivered the fourth Distinguished Faculty Lecture, "The Tricky Business of Teaching.". Written by Reporter Staff. April 30, 2012: Dr. Linda C. Lucas, who had served as Interim Provost since May of 2011, was named Provost of UAB. July 1970: Dr. John B. Dunbar became the first vice president for Student and Community Affairs. The Town and Gown Theatre production starred local dentist Dr. John W. Nixon and television personality Everett Strickland. February 2, 1982: UAB Synopsis was first published for the medical and dental staff of University Hospital; Dr. Richard McElvein was first editor. January 31, 1956: The Louis V. Clark Memorial Theatre was officially dedicated as the home to Town and Gown Theatre. 1995: Physical Sciences Building was renamed the Chemistry Building. Dr. Butler came to UAB from Georgia State University. The university was at the top of a list of more than 500 public and private corporations, universities, and companies. December 5, 1959: Ehney A. July 18, 1977: The Monday Morning Quarterback Tower was dedicated as Phase I of the Alabama Heart Hospital. February 5, 1988: The School of Humanities was renamed the School of Arts and Humanities; Dr. Theodore M. Benditt remained as dean. 1975: Dr. John W. Kirklin became the second president of The University of Alabama Health Services Foundation. 1955: A Medical Center Advisory Board was established. December 1, 1943: D. Lonnie Noojin was elected to the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. September 23, 2000: The UAB Blazer Football team earned its first win over a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team with a 13-10 victory over Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers and Coach Nick Saban during the LSU homecoming game in Baton Rouge. July 1976: Dr. W. Paul Brann became second vice president for Administration. Dr. J. Claude Bennett was the center's first director. September 1, 1957: Dr. Walter B. Frommeyer, Jr., became physician-in-chief and chair of the Department of Medicine. James K. Kirklin and George L. Zorn, Jr. June 1988: Dr. Dick D. Briggs became acting president of The University of Alabama Health Services Foundation. 205.934.3411. October 2022: Three UAB faculty members were named to the National Academy of Medicine, Drs. Versin en Espaol Ttulo de la tesis La Mediacin Cultural. Dr. James H. Halsey, Jr., served as the center's first director. (Chair of the Board) President. Dr. Taichman came to UAB from the University of Michigan. October 2, 1997: Ground was broken for the Richard M. Scrushy Building, future home of the School of Health Related Professions. 1996: David L. Abrams became interim president of UAB Walker College. October 9, 2006: Anthony B. Purcell became the fifth Chief of Police. Chronology maintained by Tim L. Pennycuff and last updated 15 February 2023. June 26, 1986: The University of Alabama Board of Trustees approved the UAB Injury Control Research Center with Dr. P. Russ Fine as first director. 2015: The School of Medicine established the Alabama chapter of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship following the Medical Education Committees decision to incorporate service learning as a standard part of the medical school curriculum. Six recipients were named for the inaugural year. The Initiative will begin a statewide effort to harness the power of genomic analysis to help identify those at high risk for genetic disease.. August 1971: Geraldine W. Bell became the first African American member of the faculty of the University College Library (later the Mervyn H. Sterne Library), receiving the appointment of instructor and reference bibliographer. Dr. Ada Long received the award for faculty. February 19, 1975: The University of Alabama Board of Trustees approved plans for UAB to establish a non-commercial, educational FM radio station for the campus. March 30, 1942: The 10th and 11th floors of Jefferson Hospital became home to the secret national headquarters of the US Armys Replacement and School Command (R&SC), which was charged with individual training of officers and enlisted personnel of the infantry, field artillery, cavalry, coast artillery, armored forces, parachute and tank destroyer units. Compensation : Pay Range: $85,600.00 - $139,100.00 / year - Benefits available for eligible positions include:. April 30, 1982: The Hulsey Center for Arts and Humanities officially opened. That same week, Coach Clark was also selected as Coach of the Year by Sporting News and as the National Coach of the Year by CBS Sports, the first time CBS Sports had selected the same coach in consecutive seasons. April 2020: With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, UAB opened a COVID Respiratory Clinic for patients who had tested positive for coronavirus but who had not been admitted to a clinical facility and who had remained at home. Hospital Maintenance is responsibile for the inspection, testing and maintenance of the UAB and Highlands Hospital physical environments, which includes more than 6 million square feet of clinical space. He came to UAB from Virginia Commonwealth University. October 1, 2005: Dr. Ray L. Watts became the sixth president of the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation. June 1947: Laboratory facilities of the Stockham Pipe and Fittings Company were made available to engineering metallurgy students from the Birmingham Extension Center. September 24, 2009: In honor of the fortieth anniversary of UAB, President Carol Z. Garrison and Provost Eli Capilouto hosted a university-wide convocation at the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center as part of the inaugural University Day celebration. July 1996: Dr. Eli Capilouto was named fourth dean of the School of Public Health after having served as interim dean since November 4, 1994. March 19, 2015: In a game held in Louisville, Kentucky, as part of the South Region of the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament, the 14-seeded UAB Blazers upset the third-seeded Big 12 champion Iowa State by the score of 60 to 59. This research center was located within the School of Medicine. 2018: Ryan Ashburn became the head coach of the Women's Golf team. The Institute had been approved by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees in June 2014. Neurology Clinic at UAB Hospital-Highlands. The reagent they developed was licensed to Calbiochem for US and international sales. June 1, 2022: Dr. Maria Rodriquez Shirey became the fifth dean of the School of Nursing. April 6, 2019: The UAB Bioethics Team won its third national championship at the National Bioethics Bowl held in Mobile, Alabama. September, 1994: Active extramural grants and contracts totaled $167,546,543. August 1, 2022: Upon the retirement of Bill Clark, Offensive Coordinator Bryant Vincent became the interim head coach of the Blazer football team. Andreoli completed degree requirements in March and was awarded her doctoral degree at the annual commencement ceremony. October 30, 2006: Dr. Jack E. Lemons presented the forty-third Distinguished Faculty Lecture, Celebration of Opportunities: Evolution of Surgical Implant Devices.. Also, she is Director of the Pediatric Lipid Clinic at the Children's of Alabama, Co-Director of the multi-disciplinary Pediatric Metabolic Bone clinic, and an Associate Director of the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center. October 19, 1979: Dr. J. Claude Bennett delivered the sixteenth Distinguished Faculty Lecture, "The Bench and the Bedside.". September 27, 2013. May 2006: The Bishop and University Optometric Group buildings were demolished in order to construct UAB's new biosafety building, the SEBLAB. February 1975: UAB celebrated Black History Week with a series of lectures, dances, and art shows. Get Directions. 1984: Dr. Anthony C. L. Barnard named dean and co-director of the Graduate School. July 1998: Dr. Jane F. Milley was named interim dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. 1972: Payroll for UAB's 6,000 employees topped $50 million. February 10, 2020: Jeffrey D. Graveline, a long-time member of the library faculty, became interim dean of UAB Libraries. 1996: Dr. Albert W. Niemi, Jr., became third dean of the School of Business. 1939: The University of Alabama added four full-time faculty members at the Birmingham Extension Center: Dr. Adrienne S. Rayl, Dr. Richard T. Eastwood, Marguerite Matlock Butler, and Quinton Dabbs. (Tony) Jones, M.D.Chief Physician Executive, UAB Medicine Enterprise, Don LillyChief Network and Affiliates Officer, 500 22nd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233. Meador, who was the dean of the library at SUNY Binghamton, became the university's first library dean in August. We are responsible for maintaining the sophisticated and complex clinical facilities, as well as associated environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. November 2015: Dr. Sarah Parcak, an associate professor of anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was announced as the recipient of the 2016 TED Prize for her pioneering work using satellite imaging to make archaeological discoveries on earth. November 1975: Medical Towers Building was acquired. January 1, 1945: Jefferson and Hillman Hospitals were merged to form The University of Alabamas Jefferson-Hillman Hospital. UAB was one of 418 institutions to score the maximum in the areas of: LGBTQ patient-centered care; LGBTQ patient services and support, employee benefits, and policies; and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. September 14, 2000: The UAB Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs) of Musculoskeletal Disorders was approved by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. Dr. Gerald M. Pohost was named director of the nuclear imaging center. Phone: 205-934-WORK (9675) 1972: UAB Police Department formally organized. May 2021: UAB and the Birmingham Organizing Committee for the 2022 World Games announced that UAB would provide some of the housing needed by athletes, coaches, and officials and the university would host several competitions at UAB venues during the World Games, to be held in Birmingham July 7-17, 2022. December 23, 1996: UAB assumed 100% ownership of Triton Health Systems and its VIVA Health HMO subsidiary. Dr. Leland C. Clark was elected first president. October 1, 1978: Dr. Thomas K. Hearn became second vice president for University College. 1910: The Birmingham Medical College merged with the Birmingham Dental College (which had opened in the fall of 1893) and was renamed the Birmingham Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical College. 1973: University of Alabama Hospitals and Clinics was renamed The University of Alabama Hospitals. December 1966: Senator Lister Hill announced original grant funding for the Alabama Regional Medical Program. 2017 Deans Excellence Award for Service February 8, 2008: The UAB Center for Urban Education was approved by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. It was commissioned by Dr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Barker. January 1930: Dr. R. F. Lovelady was named the first full-time superintendent of Hillman Hospital. 2007: The President's Diversity Awards were first presented by UAB to members of the university faculty, staff, and students. January 1, 1997: Paul Hardin became interim president of UAB. Provides executive leadership for the Information Systems & Telecommunication . July 2020: Joe Guthrie became the fourth head coach of Softball. February 2, 2007: The University of Alabama Board of Trustees approved the UAB Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics. March 30, 2015: Complex Vision, artist Yaacov Agams towering kinetic sculpture, was returned to the faade of the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital after it had been restored by Agam and by Art Creations and Renovations, a business located in Florida. Enrollment increases were seen at the undergraduate (6.18 percent), masters (10.51 percent), and doctoral (4.36 percent) levels. October 8, 1945: Classes for freshmen and sophomore medical students began at the new, four-year Medical College of Alabama with the freshman class size limited to 52 students. June 7, 1970: Richard Charles Dale and Samuel William Sullivan, Jr., became the first African American graduates of the School of Medicine. The patient was a five-year old boy from Alabama.