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By Julie Rausch

Ted Ayres, general counsel at WSU since 1996, is interim director for the Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art until a new director is named, possibly by the end of the year.

Former Ulrich director Donald Knaub left his position effective Aug. 31 to pursue other professional options. He is currently serving the university as a director of special projects and consultant to the museum.

Ayres’ interim director duties are part time while he continues his full responsibilities as WSU’s lawyer. Ayres had previously been general counsel and director of governmental relations for the Kansas Board of Regents for 10 years.

A prolific reader, runner and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, Ayres said he has a general interest in art and a specific interest in the Ulrich Museum as a tremendous educational and cultural asset for the university and community.

"It’s been interesting to watch behind the scenes the work that goes into getting an exhibition ready," Ayres said.

The search committee for the director’s position is expected to make a recommendation in December to Elizabeth King, vice president for university advancement.