The History of the UAB National Alumni Society House
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) National Alumni Society House has a rich and complex history, interwoven with the development of medical education and healthcare in Alabama. This article explores the key milestones in the evolution of the institutions that ultimately contributed to the establishment of UAB and its alumni association's home.
Early Foundations in Mobile: 1859-1920
The story begins in Mobile, Alabama, with the founding of the Medical College of Alabama.
The Birth of Medical Education in Mobile
On April 5, 1859, the Probate Court of Mobile County granted a charter for a medical school, entrusting its governance to a board of trustees including prominent physicians such as Drs. Josiah C. Nott, James F. Heustis, William H. Anderson, George A. Ketchum, Francis A. Ross, and Frederick E. Not since 1848, when a previous medical college in Mobile closed, had there been a medical educational institution in the state of Alabama.
The Medical College of Alabama opened its doors on November 14, 1859, in a rented building in Mobile. Dr. William H. Anderson served as its first dean. The Alabama Legislature officially chartered the Medical College of Alabama on January 30, 1860, through Act No. 255. This act also provided crucial financial support, appropriating $50,000 for land acquisition, building construction, and essential operational expenses. The school's governance was entrusted to a board of trustees featuring figures like Newton St. John, J. C. Dubose, Robert A. Baker, William D. Dunn, A. R. Manning, Duke W. Goodman, H. T. Smith, C. R. Foot, Murray F. Smith, Samuel G. Battle, Theophilus L. Toulmin, John Little Smith, Charles Labaron and N. H. Brown.
Growth and Interruption
The Medical College of Alabama quickly established itself. On March 7, 1860, the first class of 15 students graduated after completing a one-year program, with Samuel W. Allen delivering the valedictory address. In 1860, the college moved into a new four-story building on St. Anthony Street in Mobile.
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However, the Civil War brought significant disruption. Classes were suspended, and did not resume until November 1868. Dr. William H. Anderson continued to play a pivotal role in the college's revival.
Affiliation with the University of Alabama
A significant turning point occurred on October 11, 1897, when the Medical College of Alabama in Mobile became the Medical Department of the University of Alabama (in Tuscaloosa), following an announcement by Governor Joseph F. Johnston. This marked the beginning of the institution's integration into the state university system.
In 1899, entering freshmen at the Medical College of Alabama were required to attend the college's new four-year course. The Department of Pharmacy opened in the fall of 1900, and included two female students, Lela M. Saunders and Anna Loehr, working toward a PhG degree.
In 1907, the Alabama Legislature amended the charter of the Medical College of Alabama (in Mobile) to incorporate the school under the control of The University of Alabama Board of Trustees. The Mobile medical school dissolved its own board of trustees, and The University of Alabama Board of Trustees gained sole control over the Mobile program.
The End of an Era in Mobile
The Medical College of Alabama held its last commencement ceremony in Mobile on May 28, 1920, with ten graduates receiving M.D. degrees, marking the end of an era for medical education in that city. Dr. Alfred E. Thayer became acting dean of the medical school in Mobile in January 1920. Dr. Daniel T. McCall served as the dean of the Medical College of Alabama in Mobile at the time of its closure.
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The Rise of Medical Education in Birmingham: 1893-1945
While medical education was taking root in Mobile, parallel developments were underway in Birmingham, which would eventually lead to the establishment of UAB's medical campus.
Early Dental and Medical Colleges
The Birmingham Dental College was incorporated by the State on July 12, 1893, and opened for instruction that fall. Dr. Thomas M. Allen served as Dean. The Birmingham Dental College held its first commencement ceremony on March 7, 1894, at Seal's Music Hall. Dean Thomas M. Allen presented diplomas to the college's first three graduates: Drury C. Cosby, John H. Rice, and William P. Samuel.
The Birmingham Medical College was organized as a proprietary school on June 9, 1894, and incorporated by the state legislature. The founding physicians were Drs. John D. S. Davis, William E. B. Davis, William H. Johnston, Benjamin L. Wyman, Sr., Russell M. Cunningham, John C. LeGrande, B. G. Copeland, J. H. McCarty, and Lewis G. Hobson. The Birmingham Medical College opened for its first term on October 2, 1894, with Dr. William H. Johnston as dean. The College was located in the old Lunsford Hotel, a five-story building at 209-211 21st Street North. The first catalog for the college included Dr. Ella Elizabeth Barnes as a member of the school faculty.
Hillman Hospital and the Growing Need for Medical Training
In March 1896, the Hospital of the United Charities was renamed Hillman Hospital in honor of benefactor Thomas T. Hillman. Hillman Hospital played a crucial role in the development of medical training in Birmingham.
The Two-Year Medical School in Tuscaloosa
In May 1921, the first two graduates received B.S. degrees in medicine from the University of Alabama.
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Dr. Stuart Graves became the second dean of the University of Alabama’s two-year medical school in Tuscaloosa in 1928.
The Birmingham Extension Center
The University of Alabama opened its Birmingham Extension Center on September 14, 1936, in an old wood-frame two-story house at 2131 6th Avenue North. For the first term, 116 students enrolled. Edward K. established the center, and served as its director.
In 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. Before these additions, the Center operated with one full-time faculty member, Center director Edward K. established the center, and served as its director. The University of Alabama's Birmingham Extension Center had an enrollment of 365 students in 1939.
By 1941, space was so overcrowded at the Birmingham Extension Center that the university had to use a portion of the city's nearby Phillips High School for classes.
Relocation to Birmingham
The Building Commission for the Four-Year Medical College adopted a resolution on February 16, 1944, locating the new four-year medical school in Birmingham, marking a pivotal decision that would shape the future of UAB. Dr. Roy R. Kracke became dean of the Medical College of Alabama, in August 1, 1944.
Consolidation and Growth in Birmingham: 1945-1969
The relocation of the four-year medical school to Birmingham marked a new chapter in the institution's history, characterized by consolidation, growth, and increasing recognition.
Collaboration with Jefferson County
On December 20, 1944, The University of Alabama entered into a 99-year contract with Jefferson County for the use of Jefferson and Hillman Hospitals.
Early Faculty and Curriculum Development
Dr. Roger Denio Baker became the medical school's first full-time faculty member and the first departmental chair (pathology) appointed by Dean Roy R. Kracke on December 1, 1944.
The fall term began at the Birmingham Extension Center on September 24, 1945, with over 200 students enrolled. There were two full-time instructors, 16 part-time instructors, and three staff.
First Commencement in Birmingham
The first commencement ceremony held in Birmingham took place on October 25, 1946, with 21 students graduating from the Medical College of Alabama. The first graduate in Birmingham was Homer W.
By 1946, the Birmingham Extension Center had an enrollment of over 500 students. In the same year, the four-year medical school in Birmingham had 58 full-time faculty, seven of whom were women and one of whom was chair of a department.
Expansion of Programs and Facilities
Graduate programs were first offered at the Birmingham Extension Center during the fall term of 1947.
The School of Dentistry opened for classes in 1948 with 23 full-time faculty, all of whom were male. There were two female members of the part-time faculty: Drs. Polly Ayers and Eleanor A. Hunt.
Alabama Act 596, the Wright-Boutwell Bill, which created The University of Alabama School of Nursing, was signed by Governor James E. Folsom on September 19, 1949.
Various Medical Center libraries were consolidated into one Medical Center Library under the direction of Chief Librarian Mildred R. Crowe in 1951.
The School of Dentistry graduated its first class on May 31, 1952.
Construction began adjacent to the Medical Center in 1952 on a new four-story “adult education center,” an administrative and classroom building to house the University of Alabama Birmingham Extension Center. Warren, Knight, and Davis was the building’s architectural firm and F. R. Hoar & Son was the construction contractor.
The new University of Alabama Extension Center Building was completed adjacent to the Medical Center and opened in official ceremonies on June 6, 1954. Dr. Adrienne S. Rayl was given the honor of conducting the first class taught in the new building of the University of Alabama Extension Center.
Towards Independent University Status
Dr. Robert C. Berson was appointed first vice president for Health Affairs and dean of the Medical College of Alabama in May 1955.
At the end of the academic year of 1954-1955 - the first year the Birmingham Extension Center occupied its new home adjacent to the Medical Center - 2,377 students had enrolled during the year. A student government association (SGA) was established at the Birmingham Extension Center that same year.
University of Alabama Extension Center building was rededicated as Tidwell Hall in honor of Dr. Robert E. Tidwell on June 10, 1956.
Dr. Frank A. Rose became the 20th president of The University of Alabama on January 1, 1958.
Dr. Richard T. Eastwood became executive director of University Affairs in Birmingham, reporting directly to President Frank A. Rose on October 15, 1958.
Medical Innovations
In 1960, the world's first clinical use of a commercially made fiberoptic endoscope for observing the inside on an organ or cavity was used at University Hospital. The endoscope was developed by Dr. Basil I. Hirschowitz.
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