UAB Removed Compliance Director Amid Funding Dispute

The University of Alabama at Birmingham posted a job listing for a new compliance director this week.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a brass key centered within a modern archway, representing institutional oversight. — The University of Alabama at Birmingham has begun searching for a new director of compliance following the removal of Courtney Champion from the position. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should tax-funded universities face stricter oversight regarding their research and faculty funding decisions?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has removed Courtney Champion from her role as Director of University Compliance. The university subsequently posted a job listing for a new director on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Why it matters

The change in personnel follows public pressure regarding university research funding. In June 2026, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced his office was seeking to cut federal funding for a UAB research study.

The new University Compliance Director role offers an annual salary range between $99,090 and $161,025. This position oversees the institution's compliance program, risk assessments, and training.

The players

Courtney Champion

She served as the Director of University Compliance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham until her recent removal.

Steve Marshall

He serves as the Attorney General of Alabama and has actively sought to reduce federal research funding for state university projects.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

This is a public research university based in Birmingham that maintains extensive compliance and research departments.

The details

Courtney Champion served as an ADA investigator starting in 2018 before moving into the director position in 2024. The university is now seeking a successor to lead documentation and compliance audits.

Courtney Champion began her employment at UAB in 2018.
She was appointed Director of University Compliance in 2024.
Attorney General Steve Marshall announced his office was seeking to cut UAB research funding in June 2026.
The university posted the new job listing on October 6, 2026.

Market Landscape

The university's leadership changes align with broader state-level efforts to exert control over institutional research and compliance priorities. This move signals a significant realignment of administrative oversight in the face of political challenges to research funding.

The administrative turnover at the university may lead to shifts in internal compliance protocols and training requirements. Staff and students should monitor institutional announcements for updates on how this transition affects compliance oversight and risk management.

The takeaway

Maintaining institutional compliance is a critical function that often becomes a focal point during times of external budgetary pressure. Organizations should ensure that transitions in key oversight roles remain transparent to avoid operational disruptions.