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Last year, Kathy Clark, Ph.D. joined the UAB School of Education and Human Sciences after 17 years at Florida State University (FSU).

After making the move to Birmingham, Dr. Clark settled in at a cozy apartment in Theatre Lofts, located across from the Alabama Theatre.

We spoke with Dr. Clark to see how she’s grown to love The Magic City after a year of downtown living.

Meet Dr. Kathy Clark, a new professor at UAB

As the child of an active-duty service member, Dr. Kathy Clark attended many schools growing up, where she developed a lifelong love of learning.

After completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s in math at the University of West Florida, Dr. Clark began a 12-year career as a high school math teacher.

In 2001, Dr. Clark participated in the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF), a program that placed K-12 STEM teachers in Federal agencies to help inform educational policy.

“It was in the AEF program that I learned I knew nothing about the education profession! The experience motivated me to apply for a doctoral program, and I was accepted at the University of Maryland to work on my Ph.D.”
Dr. Kathy Clark, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UAB School of Education and Human Sciences

From 2006 to 2023, Dr. Clark served the FSU community as a professor of mathematics education, then as Associate Director of the School of Teacher Education and finally as Director of the School before retiring in 2023.

“I thought I was ready to retire from academia, but UAB reached out looking for a department chair for curriculum instruction at the School of Education and Human Sciences.

I retired from FSU in late August, and three days later I started at UAB—I failed at retirement!”
Dr. Kathy Clark, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UAB School of Education and Human Sciences

Making the move to The Magic City

After accepting the job at UAB, Dr. Clark began looking for an apartment close to the university. Since she wasn’t familiar with the area, she toured several apartments—including Theatre Lofts in Birmingham’s Theatre District.

“Theatre Lofts was the first apartment community I reached out to, and they got back to me within the hour to set up an appointment.

I looked at seven different properties that weekend, but I kept coming back to Theatre Lofts and its beautiful layout, convenient location and the view from the unit.”
Dr. Kathy Clark, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UAB School of Education and Human Sciences

Interested in learning more about downtown living? Check out Theatre Lofts’ website to view available floor plans.

Why Dr. Clark loves living in downtown Birmingham

It’s been close to a year since Dr. Clark moved into the Theatre Lofts, and since then she’s fallen in love with downtown Birmingham.

“Being able to walk to different shops, restaurants and activities is one of the biggest benefits of living downtown.

We have a dog, so I’ll walk her three at least three times a day. I have a certain route that I like, and I love seeing Electra on top of the Alabama Power building every time!”
Dr. Kathy Clark, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UAB School of Education and Human Sciences

Dr. Clark’s home is just a short walk from some of downtown Birmingham’s best destinations, including:

Bars and breweries like The Vault, Majestic Ultra Lounge, Jazzi’s on 3rd
Railroad Park and Regions Field
Restaurants like Shu Shop, Bistro Two Eighteen, Paramount, Zaza, Ahki’s and more
Coffee shops like Frothy Monkey and Cala Coffee
The Alabama and Lyric Theatres
The McWane Science Center
The Pizitz Food Hall

“The fact that Cala Coffee is just three doors down from my apartment is huge. I was so happy when they opened!”
Dr. Kathy Clark, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UAB School of Education and Human Sciences

Dr. Clark’s favorite parts of Theatre Lofts

“I’ve actually recommended Theatre Lofts to other people in need of a place that’s upscale and accessible to UAB.

For people like us, the Theatre Lofts are the perfect downtown oasis.”
Dr. Kathy Clark, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UAB School of Education and Human Sciences

Dr. Clark’s “downtown oasis” has several amenities, ranging from a private gym to an outdoor rooftop space with unparalleled views of downtown Birmingham.

“Another thing that I love is that I don’t have to have keys. With the entry code, I’ll never have to worry about being locked out of my apartment. I’ve always felt extremely secure living at Theatre Lofts.”
Dr. Kathy Clark, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UAB School of Education and Human Sciences