Virginia Tech’s Alfred ‘Jimmy’ Ritter honored with emeritus status

BLACKSBURG, Va., Nov. 17, 2010 — Alfred “Jimmy” Ritter, associate professor of physics in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the “associate professor emeritus” title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1976, Ritter made significant contributions to the understanding of physics through his work in experimental solid state physics, focusing on various aspects of electron spectroscopy and self-assembled thin polymer films. In the classroom, he taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses with special emphasis on solid state physics, and he advised numerous students on doctoral and master’s dissertations and helped them develop successful careers in both academic and industrial settings.

In addition, Ritter served as associate chair of the Department of Physics for several years and as chair of the Physics Applied and Industrial Master’s program for more than a decade.

Ritter received his bachelor’s degree from Rice University and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.