UAB names interim president

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has named an interim president. Dr. Richard Marchase was named interim president today, the university announced on their website.

Marchase joined UAB's faculty in 1986 and currently serves as the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. Marchase has served as the VP for Research and Development since 2005, according to UAB.

Marchase studied engineering physics at Cornell University and received his doctorate in biophysics from Johns Hopkins University. He began his academic career at Duke University.

"An accomplished scholar, researcher and administrator, Marchase has helped build UAB's global stature over the last 26 years," University of Alabama System Chancellor Robert Witt said in a release.

"On behalf of the board, I want to thank him for agreeing to lead the university while we undertake the search for a permanent president," Witt stated.

Last Thursday, UAB President Carol Garrison announced that she was stepping down after serving 10 years as the university's president.

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