The official biography below was current at the time of the award. See the organization's website for its latest information.

In 1988, The University of Alabama's Office of Minority and Special Programs established the Comprehensive Minority Faculty and Student Development Program, a series of coordinated and integrated approaches to increase the number of ethnic minority students earning doctoral degrees in the science, mathematics, and engineering disciplines. Efforts include summer research experiences for 40 high school students annually; tutoring, faculty mentoring, research experiences and scholarships for 10 undergraduate students per year; and, eight graduate fellowships each year. To date, 146 (66 percent) of the undergraduate program participants have earned a baccalaureate degree; 12 earned a master's degree; 27 earned the Ph.D.; and, 26 remain enrolled in graduate programs.