Moore Receives Prominent University of Alabama Award

May 6, 2021

Cynthia Moore, assistant director of the Rural Scholars Program at College of Community Health Sciences, was awarded The University of Alabama’s prestigious Dr. Minnie C. Miles Endowed Excellence Award.

The Rural Scholars Program is for rising high school seniors from rural Alabama communities and provides students with opportunities to pursue careers in health-care professions while experiencing college firsthand. Students spend six weeks at UA in the summer taking college courses for credit, shadowing physicians and other health-care professionals, and participating in field trips to rural medical facilities.

Dr. James Dalton, UA’s executive vice president and provost, said Moore is a selfless, trusted advocate and substitute parent for students away from home.

“Known for her character, faithful devotion to The University of Alabama and professional expertise, she has worked with her teammates to nurture rural Alabama students in their ambitions to become health professionals, especially rural doctors,” he said. “One UA alumna, now a physician in Rogersville, Alabama, says it well: ‘She is more than just Ms. Moore the recruiter, coordinator and manager. She is and has been for me a counselor, advisor, director, listener, encourager and now, friend.’”

“Thank you, Ms. Moore, for your dedicated service to the Capstone” added Dalton. “Leading by example, you have become symbolic of the commitment and excellence the University has to offer.”

Moore said she was surprised to receive the award but honored.

“The work I do for students is about helping them to become the best they can be,” she said. “I do it because I love students, not for any recognition, but it is nice to have been nominated and to have received the award.

“One of my mottos is if I can help somebody then my living will not be in vain.”

The Dr. Minnie C. Miles Endowed Excellence Award is bestowed upon non-faculty administrative staff nominated for exceeding job expectations and fostering the mission of the Capstone. Established in 1995, it is named in honor of Dr. Minnie C. Miles, a long-time business faculty member at UA from 1942 to 1978.