Dr. Timothy Scott Chang

The Rev. Dr. Timothy Scott Chang passed away from liver failure and complications of metastatic prostate cancer in Carlsbad, CA, on December 30, 2011. Dr. Chang was born in Shaowu, Fukien province, China on May 30, 1925 to Zhang Chengyao, an accountant, and Li Jinfeng, the president of a women’s college. His early years were influenced by missionaries from the United Church of Christ (UCC) who taught him English and to whom he taught Mandarin, one of the 5 Chinese dialects in which he was fluent. Timothy received the first of his five college degrees, a BS in Agricultural Economics, from Fukien Christian University in Fuzhou, Fukien, China in 1946. After teaching high school chemistry for two years, he was sponsored to the United States by the UCC missionaries to study theology at Duke University and received his Master of Divinity degree in 1951. Unable to return to his native China due to the communist takeover, Timothy continued his education with a BS degree in Poultry Science from North Carolina State University (1952), an MS in Poultry Marketing and Management from Ohio State University (1953) and finally a dual PhD in Poultry Pathology and Microbiology from Ohio State in 1957.

While a graduate student in 1954, Dr. Chang discovered that a tiny gland near the tail of a chicken called the bursa of Fabricius was essential to antibody production in chickens. His discovery that antibody-producing B-lymphocytes cells required the bursa of Fabricius led medical researchers to seek a corresponding organ in humans (bone marrow). Dr. Chang’s work has been cited in articles in prominent publications including: “The “Useless” Gland That Guards Our Health” (Readers Digest, November 1966), “New Advances in Study of Immunity to Disease Encourage Physicians” (Wall Street Journal, March 13, 1973) and “A Secret Weapon Called Immunology” (New York Times Magazine, February 17, 1974).

Dr. Chang’s professional career included 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry as Director of Bacteriological Research for Rohm & Haas, Section Chief of Veterinary Bacteriology at Norwich Pharmacal Company and Director of Animal Technology for CPC International. He became a much sought after expert in his field and in 1971 was lured into academia at Michigan State University (MSU). Dr. Chang served as Professor of Avian Microbiology and Poultry Pathology in what is now the Animal Science department, taught poultry disease courses and conducted research into waste utilization & antibiotic effects on the microflora of animals and poultry leading to the publication of more than 90 research articles.

During his more than 25-year tenure at Michigan State, Dr. Chang traveled extensively throughout the world, but more importantly gave back to his native country as well. His fluency in multiple Chinese dialects enabled him to travel throughout China at the behest of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and consult on the modernization and conversion of backyard chicken flocks into what is now a multibillion-dollar poultry industry. He was also responsible for introducing the white turkey to China as a vitally needed additional poultry protein source. In addition, Dr. Chang sponsored, mentored, and inspired many foreign graduate students during his tenure at Michigan State.

Throughout his storied career, Timothy remained true to his Christian faith and often served as a guest minister in numerous churches all over the country. He took great pride in officiating at the marriages of all four of his children and the baptism of two of his grandchildren. Timothy was an avid world traveler, a cutthroat bridge player, a lifelong tennis player, and a 39-year season ticket holder for Michigan State University football and basketball games. He was also particularly devoted to the Rotary Club of Okemos, MI, serving as a former president and achieving a lifetime of perfect attendance. Timothy was a legendary and prolific storyteller who entertained all with his many tales of travel and life experiences. His infectious laugh and engaging personality lit up every room.

Dr. Timothy S. Chang is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Annabelle Yee Chang (Lei Yulian), formerly of Okemos, MI, now residing in Carlsbad, CA; children Cynthia “Zhang Shilin” Rynalski (Thomas) of Naples, FL, Dr. Jonathan “Zhang Shiyong” Chang (Julia) of Pasadena, CA, Pamela “Zhang Shili” Rupp (Lynn) of Morgan Hill, CA and David “Zhang Shiwei” Chang (Susan) of San Diego, CA; and grandchildren Adam and Matthew Rynalski, and Ryan and Lianne Rupp. Timothy is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul (Zhang Xianzheng), Silas (Zhang Xianda), Simeon (Zhang Xianming), and sisters Miriam (Zhang Yazhi) and Zhang Yahua; and survived by sister Zhang Yaying and brother Philip (Zhang Xianhe).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Fairview Clubhouse of La Costa Glen Retirement Community, 1940 Levante Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009. In lieu of flowers for the memorial service, please consider supporting the Timothy Scott Chang Fellowship Memorial fund at Michigan State University by sending a donation to:

Timothy Scott Chang Fellowship

University Development

Michigan State University

E. Lansing, MI 48824

Please make the check payable to Michigan State University and be sure to note on the front that the donation is for the Timothy Scott Chang Fellowship fund. You can also donate online at www.givingto.msu.edu. From the site, select "Make a Gift">>"Give Now" and then click "Give Online". Enter "Timothy Scott Chang" in the "Type fund name here" entry box to donate.