Kansas State University has named Ralph Richardson as the interim dean and CEO of K-State Olathe, effective Aug. 2.

Richardson has served as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University since 1998 and will be succeeded by Tammy Beckham, currently director of the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases in College Station, Texas.

Under Richardson’s leadership, the College of Veterinary Medicine established a microbiology lab at K-State Olathe.  He has served in leadership positions for several Greater Kansas City programs, including the board of directors of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, the American Royal, and many governmental, civic and biomedical programs.