After 16 years of exemplary service to ASU, Dr. Emily Cutrer will be leaving the university to assume the position of Provost at California State University, San Marcos. Cutrer has served in numerous roles in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences including department chair and, for the last five years, as dean of the college.

Under her leadership, the New College expanded its degree offerings, added departments, increased undergraduate student research opportunities, initiated an oral history program, and has been a significant contributor to the advancement of the campus. The outstanding leadership skills Cutrer has displayed at the West campus are the requisite skills and values needed to take on the intellectual challenges in her new position as Provost of CSU – San Marcos.

Succeeding Cutrer is Barry Ritchie, professor and former chair of the department of Physics and Astronomy at ASU's Tempe campus. Ritchie will serve as interim dean until a search for a permanent dean can be completed.

"Barry has the necessary background to contribute to the advancement of the New College and the University in the coming year, and we welcome him to the West campus and the New College," said Mark Searle, vice president and provost of ASU's West campus.

Ritchie is active in university governance, currently serving as chair of the Steering Committee for Academic Chairs and Directors Council since 2004. He is also an active member of the President's Social Embeddedness Steering Committee.