Generosity Heals: Bob Chapman Gives Back, Thanks UM for his Health Care Career
When Robert C. “Bob” Chapman first came to UM (then Alabama College), he didn’t know yet that his passion for health care would spark a nearly 40-year career in health care administration.
“I recognized the health care needs of people, whether it’s direct patient care or health care education and research,” the Lineville native said. “It’s just one of those things that came naturally to me.”
In 1963, Chapman graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with minors in biology and math. He worked as an applications research chemist at Monsanto Textiles Division in Decatur while pursuing an MBA at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, but ended up transferring to the newly developed School of Health Services Administration at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Chapman went on to earn a Master of Science in Hospital and Health Administration from UAB in 1972. He began his medical career in administrative positions at Birmingham’s East End Memorial Hospital before being named CEO in 1975.
“We began a development process of relocating the hospital from East Lake Birmingham to the Huffman area,” he said. “We created an integrated health care delivery system called Eastern Health System, Inc., consisting of multiple hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and hospice and home health divisions.”
Chapman was president and CEO for Eastern Health Systems, Inc. from 1986 until his retirement in 2007. He attributes his achievements to the solid foundation he built during his time at Montevallo. In 2000, he received the UM National Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He also served on the UM Foundation Board.
As a proud alum of the chemistry program, Chapman donated to the Harman Hall renovations that were unveiled on Founders’ Day — Harman houses the Robert C. and June Chapman Computer Laboratory, named for Chapman and his late wife, June.
“Giving back expresses my appreciation to the school for my undergraduate degree,” he said. “The University set up the basis of my basic education and opened the doors for my future career in health care.”
He also gives generously to athletics — most of his favorite college memories stemmed from playing on the inaugural club basketball team. He is a member of the Falcon Club, which recognizes the storied tradition of athletic, academic and alumni success at UM. The Robert C. and June Chapman Sports Medicine Facility in McChesney Student Activity Center was dedicated to him and June. In 2021, he was inducted into the UM Athletics Hall of Fame.
Encouraging fellow alumni to give back, Chapman emphasized the importance of expressing appreciation to UM and the role the University plays in helping people develop outstanding careers.
“I would heavily recommend that everyone become supportive at least of general funds, special endowments or specifically for the program you choose,” he said. “It enables the future development and growth of individuals’ careers.”
Chapman is pleased with the University’s recent developments, particularly expressing his enthusiasm for the launch of the new Nursing Program.
“I’m so glad that’s been developed,” he said. “There’s such a need for nurses in particular. They are key to the health care delivery team.”
