R.I. design school names interim president

The Rhode Island School of Design’s board of trustees says provost Rosanne Somerson will serve as the institution’s interim president, beginning Jan. 1.

Somerson, who was named provost after an international search in 2012, is an acclaimed furniture designer with deep roots at the school — starting as a student and moving on to alumna, professor and academic leader. The trustees said it will begin a search for the institution's 17th president in January.

“Provost Somerson is an inspiring, passionate and dedicated leader for RISD,” board chair Michael Spalter said in a statement. “The board genuinely appreciates Provost Somerson’s willingness to lead our institution at this time. We have every confidence that she will do so with the same passion, grace and unwavering commitment to RISD that she has demonstrated throughout her career.”