U. names new dean for science college

After 26 years at the University of Utah, a professor and expert in cosmic-ray physics is taking the helm as dean of the College of Science.

Pierre V. Sokolsky, current chairman of the department of physics, was selected Monday by an internal search committee and will assume his new office July 1.

Sokolsky joined the faculty in 1981 and was promoted to full professor in 1988. He has served as the physics chairman for the past four years.

According to David Pershing, senior vice president for academic affairs at the university, Sokolsky's administrative and management skills are highly regarded within the college.

As the author of many textbooks and research papers, Sokolsky is world-renowned for his research in ultra high-energy particle physics. He has earned numerous awards for his contributions to science and his service to the state, bringing more than $14 million in funding support for various ventures.

He is spearheading a $17 million international collaborative project, Telescope Array, a cosmic-ray observatory under construction in Delta.

Sokolsky will replace Peter J. Stang, who has served as dean of the College of Science for 10 years.