The head of the Chemistry Department takes on new duties July 1 when he becomes interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Philip B. Oldham, who has led the department since 1998, fills a vacancy left by the departing Dr. Frank E. "Skip" Saal.

Saal, who was hired as A&S dean in 1996, is moving to St. Bonaventure University, where he takes over as vice president of academic affairs in mid-July at the Olean, N.Y., school.

Oldham's appointment is expected to receive formal state College Board approval.

"We are very fortunate and appreciative that Dr. Oldham is willing to take on these responsibilities," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs David Cole. "He is a first-rate scholar and able administrator who will provide very capable leadership for the College of Arts and Sciences."

A member of the MSU faculty since 1986, Oldham received a bachelor's degree in 1980 from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn., and a doctorate in 1985 from Texas A&M University. Before coming to MSU, he was a Wellcome Research Fellow at the Burroughs Wellcome Co. in Research Triangle Park, N.C.