About Michael S. Fitts

Michael S. Fitts is a retired academic leader, disability advocate and nationally recognized voice for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Fitts retired from the University of Alabama at Birmingham after 30 years of service. Most recently, he served as assistant dean for user access and diversity and assistant professor with UAB Libraries.

Throughout his career, Fitts broke significant barriers within the university. In 2001, he became the first African American faculty member at the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences. He later became the library’s first African American assistant director and assistant dean. His leadership focused on improving access, advancing diversity and supporting people and communities that have historically been underrepresented.

Fitts earned a Bachelor of Science in management from Miles College and a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Alabama.

After being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2011 at age 38, Fitts became a committed advocate for people living with the condition. He serves on the Patient Council of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, helping ensure that the experiences and priorities of patients inform research, education and outreach.

His advocacy particularly focuses on people diagnosed at a younger age, people of color and others whose experiences may be overlooked in conversations about Parkinson’s disease. Through public speaking, community engagement and personal example, he works to challenge misconceptions and demonstrate that people with Parkinson’s can continue to live productive and meaningful lives.

Fitts was also appointed to the UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative, an initiative focused on improving the health and wellness of people with disabilities.

In retirement, he continues his advocacy, educational and community work while pursuing his interests in photography, movies and thrifting.

“You never know who you’re helping by telling your story”
— MSF

Topics

A woman in a light pink dress is shaking hands with a man in a dark suit during a formal event or ceremony.

Belonging and Access

Providing lectures and advisement on belonging and access efforts to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act and EEOC employment compliance.

Two men taking a selfie in front of studio lighting, both smiling and standing close together.

Parkinson’s Advocacy

As a member of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Fitts provides information during seminars about “living with PD” and tactics for outreach to underrepresented groups.

A man with a bald head and gray beard wearing a patterned bow tie, checkered blazer, and dress shirt, standing outdoors in an urban setting with tall buildings in the background.

Library Science

Fitts served as a librarian for over 25 years, starting as a college student, to become an assistant dean and instructor at a large university.

A group of ten people, six men and four women, sitting and standing in a bright indoor space near large windows, engaged in a discussion or meeting.

Education

Memberships

  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

  • Michael J. Fox Foundation patient counsel

  • Executive Board of the Parkinson Association of Alabama

  • The Parkinson's Foundation

  • Medical Library Association

  • African American Medical Librarians Alliance Caucus (AAMLA), Medical Library Association

  • Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee

  • UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative

  • UAB African American Faculty Association, former president

Contact Me

Request Michael S. Fitts for speaking engagements, press, and consulting opportunities.

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