The hunt is on for someone to fill the shoes of former Dean of Agriculture David Topel, but ISU search committee members say the wait could be substantial.

ISU Provost Rollin Richmond said the new search committee, which was formed in January, is continuing to look for qualified candidates. Six applicants were interviewed for the position last semester, but the department officials decided not to make a permanent appointment and resume interviewing.

“We’re extending the search to identify the strongest agriculture leaders,” Richmond said.

The original search committee was formed more than a year ago after former Agriculture Dean David Topel announced his plans to resign. His last day was Tuesday.

Richmond said the new 10-member committee, formed of ISU faculty and Iowa agricultural leaders, is taking a more proactive role than committees have in the past.

Besides publicizing the position’s opening to universities such as Kansas State, Purdue and Texas A&M, Richmond said the committee is also conducting an independent search for qualified agricultural leaders and asking them to apply.

“Rather than waiting for people to come to us,” he said, “we’re going out and finding people we think would be good for the job.”

Diane Birt, member of the committee, said the focus of the search has changed since last year.

“We’re trying to find people with the qualities we want,” said Birt, professor and chairwoman of the food science and human nutrition department. “If they’re a good match for us, we need to convince them that [Iowa State] will be a good place for them to grow.”

Richmond said the committee is looking for applicants who have earned a doctorate degree, have a background in sciences related to agriculture, an ability to work with a variety of people and a clear understanding of the future of agriculture.

The committee currently has a list of 25 to 30 possible candidates from academic and non-academic backgrounds, he said.

Birt said the committee will begin reviewing applicants in mid-February but is still looking for additional recommendations.

“If people have names they think we should be looking at, they should get those to us,” she said.

Birt admits the numerous criteria may narrow the number of potential candidates for agriculture dean.

“I think it’s important to have a person with all of the qualifications,” she said.

Richmond said the committee members will be “extremely fortunate” if they have a new dean selected by next fall.

“We’re working as quickly as we can,” he said. “We have a lot of interesting possibilities.”