Former mayor, UAB president McCallum dies

Former Vestavia Hills mayor and University of Alabama at Birmingham president Charles “Scotty” McCallum died on Jan. 16. His death was announced by both UAB and the city of Vestavia Hills.

“Former mayor, Dr. Charles “Scotty” McCallum, passed away early this morning,” the city said in a statement. “He was a wonderful man and a dedicated servant to the people of Vestavia Hills. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. (Current Vestavia Hills) Mayor Ashley Curry had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, both before and after his two terms as Vestavia Hills mayor.”

Curry said he was “thankful” to have known McCallum.

“His impact on the City of Vestavia Hills will be felt for many, many years,” Curry said. “He leaves a tremendous legacy.” 

City Manager Jeff Downes also issued a statement.

“Many of the successes we see today are a direct result of the foundation laid by Scotty McCallum,” Downes said. “He was a fine man and an influential member of our city government. His many contributions to the City of Vestavia Hills will continue to benefit our residents for years to come.”

McCallum served as mayor from 2000 to 2008, after moving to the city in 1967 to raise his family.

“I selected Vestavia Hills because of the wonderful schools and the people,” McCallum told the Vestavia Voice in 2014. ““I feel very lucky. It’s such a beautiful place.”

In addition to serving the people of Vestavia Hills, McCallum was the third president of UAB from 1987 to 1993.“Our university family and the Birmingham community have lost a fierce advocate and a wonderful friend,” said UAB President Ray Watts in a statement. “Scotty believed in the people of this university, their work and their mission to provide a quality education to all and to build a medical facility that could care for the people of our state and beyond. Without his visionary leadership and dedication, UAB would not be the world-class institution it is today. Nancy and I are eternally grateful for Scotty’s life and join the UAB Family in sending our deepest sympathies to the McCallum family.”

Before being named UAB’s third president, McCallum served as Vice President for Health Affairs, dean of the School of Dentistry and chair of the Department of Oral Surgery. McCallum came to Birmingham in 1951 as an oral surgery intern and earned his medical doctorate in 1957 from what was then known as the Birmingham medical school.