The UAB Office of Research welcomes Dr. Saeedah C. Hickman as Finalist for the Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations position currently under recruitment.

Dr. Saeedah C. Hickman is an accomplished leader with over 18 years of experience in higher education. She is passionate about optimizing systems, strategic planning, operational efficiency, talent development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Since 2022, she has served as Senior Director of Administration in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research at Georgia Tech, where she leads key initiatives, convenes cross-functional teams, and shapes strategies to enhance research operations.

Prior to Georgia Tech, Saeedah was Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean at Morehouse School of Medicine, where she led initiatives that advanced health equity and increased revenue for Morehouse Healthcare.

Originally from New York, she served as Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer for the School of Health Professions at Stony Brook Medicine, advising on fiscal management, accreditation, faculty development, and research administration. Earlier,
as Senior Director of Research and Sponsored Programs at Lehman College, she built research infrastructure and significantly increased research expenditures.

Dr. Hickman holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Georgia, an M.A. in Urban Affairs from Queens College, and a B.A. in Sociology from Stony Brook University.

The UAB Office of Research is conducting a nationwide search for the Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations.

The Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations (SAVP RO) will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office of Research (OoR). This role includes managing business operations, compliance, facilities, communications, finance, human resources, and procurement. Reporting to the Vice President for Research (VPR), the SAVP RO collaborates with the university’s leadership to implement UAB’s strategic research vision.