March 6, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Alabama at Birmingham has renamed the title for Richard B. Marchase, Ph.D., to vice president for research and economic development.

Marchase previously held the title of vice president for research. The new title more clearly reflects the nature of his role within the university and the community as UAB’s point of contact for economic development activities, said UAB President Carol Garrison.

“UAB places a very strong emphasis on research activities that develop new technologies and marketable discoveries that will change Alabamians’ lives for the better,” Garrison said. “In his capacity as vice president for research, Dick has played a key role in helping us expand our efforts in research and technology transfer, particularly through his oversight of the UAB Research Foundation.

“Thanks to his efforts and those of his team, we have increased our emphasis on attracting additional federal funds in these areas, and on growing new jobs,” she said. “We are proud of the pivotal role that UAB played in helping to transform Birmingham from a steel-based manufacturing center into a thriving, knowledge-based economy, and know that through Dick’s strong leadership we will continue to play a key role in economic development in both the state and the community.”

In Marchase’s role as the university’s primary external point of contact for research and economic development, he coordinates UAB’s efforts with such groups as the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board, Alabama Development Office and others. He also is charged with facilitating strong relationships and collaborative efforts with research groups and other universities within the state.

UAB is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social and economic benefits of Birmingham, the state and beyond. With some 19,000 employees and 18,000 students, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest employer; it has an annual impact of more than $3 billion on the Birmingham economy.