As the search for a permanent dean for the College of Agriculture continues, Richard Ross, dean of the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine, was named interim dean on Jan. 7.

Ross will replace David Topel, dean of agriculture since 1988. Although Ross was surprised by the initial offer, he said he is excited to start his new position.

“I did this to help the university and to help continue the excellent program that Dean Topel and Dr. [Colin] Scanes [associate dean of agriculture] have set up,” Ross said.

ISU Provost Rollin Richmond said Topel advanced the College of Agriculture while he was dean.

“During more than a decade as dean, David Topel has helped keep the College of Agriculture strong and growing,” Richmond said. “His work for Iowa agriculture, both within ISU and for the state and nation, will stand as a valuable legacy.”

Iowa State’s nationwide search for a new dean will continue until the right person is found for the position, Richmond said. Six candidates have interviewed for the position at this point.

“The candidates who went through the interview process all had strong credentials and could have brought individual strengths to the position,” Richmond said. “However, based on the responses from the various groups that met with the candidates, no consensus emerged as to who would be the best leader for the College of Agriculture.

“Given the importance of the position to Iowa State University, the state of Iowa and, indeed, agriculture worldwide, I have decided not to make a permanent appointment at this time,” he said. “We will continue our search for a permanent dean.”

Richmond said he hopes to have a permanent dean in place by next fall but realistically anticipates the spot will not be filled until January 2001.

“We will work as fast as we can,” he said.

Ross will start the new job by Feb. 1. He will also continue his duties as dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Ross was chosen for the office for many reasons, Richmond said, but several qualities stood out that influenced the decision: the length of time he’s spent at Iowa State and the fact that he’s had experience as a dean.

Additionally, Ross is an excellent administrator and is well-respected on campus, Richmond said.

“One wants an individual in the position who will not only be respected by faculty for administrative ability, but also for their scholarly capabilities,” he said.

Ross said he is ready to begin his new position.

“It will be challenging, but I can tell you that we have excellent department chairs and leadership in both colleges,” he said.

Because the two colleges are closely related in a lot of ways, there will be opportunities for each to benefit, Ross said.

“My commitment is to continue the excellent direction and progress that Dean Topel has established in the last 10 years,” he said.