COSAM News Articles 2015 October Jernigan named 2015 COSAM Distinguished Alumnus

Jernigan named 2015 COSAM Distinguished Alumnus

Published: 10/12/2015

Dr. John Jernigan '75, has been named COSAM's 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Jernigan, a native of Union Springs, Ala., entered Auburn University as its first African American pre-med student.

While at Auburn, he was active on campus serving as a resident advisor for his dorm while earning his degree in chemistry.

Jernigan went on to the University of Florida College of Medicine and opened Mulberry Medical Associates in Montgomery in 1984, where he continues to practice today.

He has served as a clinical assistant professor for the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Internal Medicine Residency Program and has trained numerous physicians and nurse practitioners through programs at Troy University, Samford University and UAB.

Jernigan stays active in research and conducts clinical trials on new drugs at the Mulberry Clinical Research Center. He has been a member of the Medical Association of Alabama and the American Society of Internal Medicine and has served as vice president of the Montgomery County Medical Association and a volunteer for the Auburn University Cooperative Extension Service.

Jernigan is committed to his alma mater and serves on the boards of both the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and the Auburn University Foundation. He has been selected as a keynote speaker for COSAM's Summer Bridge Program luncheon and has established scholarships in multiple areas.

He is the proud father of sons John Arbry, an Auburn graduate, and Jacob, a current Auburn student.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have achieved significant stature in their chosen field while also possessing a history of commitment to Auburn University and COSAM.