University of Alabama System. Office of the Chancellor

The University of Alabama System is composed of the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; the University of Alabama at Birmingham; and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Dr. Joseph F. Volker became the first chancellor of the University of Alabama System in 1976. Volker, who had served as University of Alabama School of Dentistry dean, University of Alabama Medical Center vice president for health affairs and vice president for Birmingham affairs, and University of Alabama in Birmingham president, remained chancellor until 1982. As chancellor, Volker had to ensure that the three campuses, although independent, worked in a concerted manner. Controversy surrounded the chancellor's office during Volker's early tenure as some political leaders in the state opposed the creation of the office and sought to disestablish it. Volker also dealt with funding difficulties resulting from prolonged proration of the state budget. Volker became a distinguished professor of UAB in 1982, and Thomas Bartlett succeeded him as chancellor.

From the description of Administrative Files of Chancellor Joseph F. Volker 1976-1982. (Mervyn H. Sterne Library - UAB). WorldCat record id: 31037885