Arizona State University appointed Barry Ritchie to serve as interim dean of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the West campus. Ritchie is a professor and former chair of the department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at ASU's Tempe campus. Ritchie will remain in this position 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," said Mark Searle, vice president and provost of ASU's West campus. "We welcome him to the West campus and the New College,"

Ritchie is active in university governance, having served 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. For further information visit Ritchie's web site at http://phy.asu.edu/faculty/barry_ritchie.php.

Ritchie succeeds Emily Cutrer who leaves the university after 16 years of exemplary service to ASU. Cutrer is leaving to assume the position of Provost at California State University, San Marcos. She served in numerous roles in the including department chair and, for the last five years, as dean of the college.