William Gathings

Born and educated in Alabama, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama (UA), and a Doctorate in Biology from the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB). He was an alumnus of the Kappa Alpha Order at Alabama.

Dr. Gathings began his career as a research immunologist at the Wallace Tumor Institute. After more than a decade in research, he left academia to co-found Southern Biotech, one of UAB's first spin-off companies, where he served as the company's President from 1982 to 1999.

Wishing to return to the academic environment, Dr. Gathings accepted a position at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) as Executive Director of the Center for Materials Development in Space. He also established and served as the Director of the UAH Office for Technology Commercialization.

In late 2006, he was recruited to the University of Alabama to establish and direct the Office for Technology Transfer.

Over the years, Dr. Gathings held a number of academic positions at UAB, University College London, UAH, and UA. During this time, he contributed over 50 peer-reviewed publications to scientific literature.

Dr. Gathings was a member of the American Association of Immunologists, the National Academy of Science University/Industry Demonstration Partnership and the Association of University Technology Managers. He worked closely with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama to promote technology-based economic development in the State, and served on the Board of Directors of Alabama Launchpad and Biztech. Dr. Gathings also represented the University of Alabama on the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama.

He will be deeply missed by his family including wife, Sandra C. Gathings; son, David A. Gathings; daughter, Laslie (Matthew) Shockley; grandchildren, Devin and Malyn Shockley; mother, Elizabeth D. Mull; brother, Steve (Marie) Gathings; sisters, Lynn (Robert) Klinner and Laura (Kerry) Johnston; and eight nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 26, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 605 Lurleen Wallace Blvd. North, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Immediately following the service, the family will celebrate his life and receive friends at home.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center or Christ Episcopal Church.