Scott Austin, MBA, senior advisor for Faculty Affairs, and Shane Wiley, MBA, executive administrator in the Department of Medicine, have been named 2025 Will Ferniany Academic Medicine Leadership Award recipients.

The award honors Will Ferniany, Ph.D., former health system chief executive officer, and was created in 2021 following his retirement. Each year, the award recognizes administrative executives who have supported the academic mission of UAB Medicine and whose commitment to that mission has inspired others.

Scott Austin

Scott Austin is the senior advisor for Faculty Affairs in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Austin has served the Heersink School of Medicine for 23 years and has brought a high level of expertise and experience surrounding UAB faculty. Austin is credited with wearing “many hats” at the dean’s office. His role finds him working with and assisting individuals in human resources, finance, research, compliance, and with faculty affairs and leadership staff.

“Austin’s oversight is vital to all that we do,” stated Smita Bhatia, M.D., the current chair of Faculty Council. “He carries a wealth of knowledge, which makes our job much easier.”

Austin's growth and success are largely credited to his UAB experiences. “UAB has provided a supportive and dynamic environment that encourages professional development,” Austin stated. “The institution's commitment to excellence in research, education, and clinical care has offered me numerous opportunities to grow and succeed in my career.”

Austin noted that being honored with an award like the Ferniany award is an achievement of great significance. “Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me,” Austin emphasized. “It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our team at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. I am grateful for the mentorship and guidance from leaders who have provided me with invaluable opportunities. Their support has been instrumental in my growth and success.”

Shane Wiley

Shane Wiley serves as the executive administrator for the Department of Medicine in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Wiley has been a part of UAB since 2006, serving the largest department in the school since 2018 in this role. His colleagues note that Wiley continuously meets each challenge and offers a robust understanding within the department. Additionally, his colleagues note that Wiley approaches every situation with a high level of professionalism and respect and values the opportunity to empower others on his team.

Wiley believes his success in key roles comes from the ability to work with other great leaders and how acquainted he is with himself and his team. “I feel that leadership is an interesting blend of maintaining core principles and values, while continuously evolving to the changing world around you,” said Wiley.

UAB has been critical to Wiley’s growth and success.

“I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful supervisors that have believed in me and have given me opportunities sometimes when I didn’t think I was ready,” he said. “I’ve been able to participate in meaningful professional and leadership programs, and I was able to further my education and obtain an MBA through UAB’s education assistance program.”

“I am committed because I know it makes a difference,” stated Wiley. “I am blessed to see and hear almost every day the positive impact UAB has on the citizens of Alabama and beyond.”