Ritok is a member of the law firm Dykema Gossett PLLC, where he has practiced employment law for more than 35 years and has served as chair of the Labor and Employment Group.

He succeeds Seth M. Lloyd, senior vice president and general counsel, Oakwood Healthcare, Inc.

"We are wonderfully fortunate to have Joseph Ritok's leadership skills and his vision for citizenship and the community at this crucial time," said Marc W. Kruman, professor of history and director of the Center for the Study of Citizenship.

The center is the premier global institution dedicated to the interdisciplinary study and promotion of citizenship. It is overseen by an executive board recruited from the broader community and is assisted by a faculty advisory board.

An image of Ritok can be accessed at http://www.dykema.com/bio/images/jritok.jpg

For more information on the Center for the Study of Citizenship, visit www.clas.wayne.edu/citizenship.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students. For more information about Wayne State University, visit www.wayne.edu.

A leading national law firm, Dykema Gossett PLLC serves business entities world wide, from startups to Fortune 1000 companies on a wide range of complex business issues. Experienced lawyers and other professionals in 10 Dykema offices work in partnership with clients on business challenges such as corporate governance, litigation, growth strategies and risk reduction, financial services, mergers and acquisitions, international trade, e-commerce and more. Visit www.dykema.com for more information.