Stillman Chronic Disease Research and Training Shared Facility - Project Summary / Abstract
The Stillman Chronic Disease Research and Training Shared Facility will be new construction and serve
as the College’s first facility dedicated entirely to research. The research focus in chronic diseases leading to
health disparities is aligned with our faculty members’ interests, our established collaborations, and the health
disparities in the state, the region, and the community. This facility will enhance institution-wide research
programs and facilitate collaborations with research intensive partners to transform the department to one that
develops relevant research programs, building upon existing biomedical pipeline initiatives.
Stillman College is a historically black liberal arts college (HBCU) that was founded in 1876 in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama. Located on a 105-acre former slave plantation, Stillman is known for producing African American
biomedical scientists who excel in the health professions and research. According to the National Science
Foundation (NSF), National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates,
Stillman graduates earned 35 PhDs between 2010 and 2020 and ranked 17th of baccalaureate HBCUs
producing PhDs. This is significant because the student population represents more than 80% Pell recipients
and 1st generation in college, averages 700 full-time students and 100 graduates each year. Out of the 100
biology majors, Stillman produces 25 graduates annually and more than 50% enroll in biomedical graduate
programs. The Department’s goals in the Stillman Strategic Plan (2017-2022) are to: 1. Increase retention, 2.
Increase the number of students entering Summer Research Programs, 3. To have a 90 percent first time pass
rate on the Senior Exit Exam and Senior Thesis Research Paper and Presentation, and 4. To increase the
number of graduates entering graduate and/or professional schools.
Stillman College qualifies as an Institution of Emerging Excellence (IEE) based on all the criteria in 42 USC
283k(c)(2): Stillman has a research program focused on cardiovascular diseases and other health disparities.
According to the CDC, the leading causes of death in Alabama are Stroke (ranks 2nd in the nation), heart
disease (4th), and Alzheimer’s disease (5th). Alabama is in the Stroke Belt; 14 counties have stroke mortality
rates greater than 50% of the nation’s rate and mortality is 35% higher in African Americans (61.7) than
Caucasians (45.7). Alabama is also designated as an EPSCoR state. Stillman is in the poorest census tract in
the city, has the highest concentration of African Americans (97%), and is designated an Opportunity Zone.
The Stillman Chronic Disease Research and Training Shared Facility will enable Stillman faculty, students, and
collaborators to develop research expertise in cardiovascular and other chronic diseases that produce health
disparities in African Americans.
