MSHA


HLAA Alumni Awards

We created the HLAA Alumni Awards to recognize singular individuals who characterize excellence, dedication, and virtue as health care leaders. The winners are the best of the best among the 5,000+ Department of Health Services Administration graduates.

Established in 1965, our mission is to develop leaders to shape tomorrow’s health care. Our values include excellence, collaboration, respect, integrity, and diversity, equity & inclusion. These are also the values held by our HLAA members.

Deadline to submit a nomination is July 18, 2025. Recipient will be announced during the Department’s Scholarship Luncheon in Birmingham (date to be determined). 

Charles D. Stokes Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

Beginning in 2025, this award is renamed as the Charles D. Stokes Alumni Award to honor the legacy of Chuck Stokes (MSHA Class 17), who unexpectedly died in 2024. 

The Charles D. Stokes Alumni of the Year Award recognizes outstanding leadership by alumni of the HSA Department’s programs in all sectors and work settings. The honor reflects the breadth of our 5,000+ alumni working in medical group management, post-acute care, pharma, insurance, hospitals and health systems, academia, and more.  

Qualifying candidates must be at least 10 years post degree or 10 years in senior management (graduation date must be between 1965 and 2015) 

They must also demonstrate outstanding leadership in their work, contribution to the field, participation in local/state/national health care organizations/associations, community service, and active support of UAB students and alumni. 

Criteria: 

  • Leadership 

  • Contributions to and impact on the field 

  • Contributions to degree program and/or the Department of Health Services Administration 

  • Motivation 

  • Attitude 

Previous Recipients of Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

Submit Nomination

Emerging Leader of the Year

The HLAA Emerging Leader of the Year Award recognizes outstanding leadership by alumni of the HSA Department in all sectors and work settings. The honor reflects the breadth of our 5,000+ alumni working in medical group management, post-acute care, pharma, insurance, hospitals and health systems, academia, and more.

Qualifying candidates must be at least five and less than ten years of healthcare experience. They must also demonstrate outstanding leadership in their work, contribution to the field, participation in local/state/national health care organizations/associations, community service, and active support of UAB students and alumni.

Previous Recipients of HLAA Emerging Leader Award: 

Submit Nomination

Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero Award shows appreciation to alumni who instill pride in our Department and raise awareness in the field about what UAB HLAA members are accomplishing. This award will especially highlight the silent heroes who all too often go unrecognized and unsung. We wish to acknowledge how these individuals heighten the profile of their organizations, communities, and the HSA Department. This is an award that will inspire others to follow in the hero's path.

We seek evidence that a HLAA member is making the world a better place above and beyond what is required in any way that matters. Some examples include, but are not limited to, community service, excellence in the workplace, and other contributions to society.

Previous Recipients of the HLAA Unsung Hero Award:

Submit Nomination

Voices of Change Award

The Voices of Change Award recognizes HLAA members who are leading meaningful change in health care by fostering cultures where all individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to succeed. These leaders work to expand access to opportunity, build supportive environments, and ensure that the organizations they serve are responsive to the communities around them.

Recipients of this award demonstrate a commitment to creating spaces where people can grow, contribute, and thrive—both within their organizations and beyond. Through visionary leadership and action, they champion initiatives that break down barriers and encourage a shared sense of purpose. Awardees also actively support UAB students and alumni—individually, through the program, HLAA, and/or the Department—and embody the values that define our commitment to improving health and health care for all.

Previous Recipients of the HLAA Voices of Change Award:

Submit Nomination

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