David Topel, dean of Iowa State’s College of Agriculture, announced at the college’s convocation Thursday that he will resign as dean after the spring semester.

Topel will return to his teaching position at ISU after serving as dean for more than 10 years, according to an article in The Des Moines Register. He did not give a reason for his decision.

Administrators say Topel will be missed as dean, but his colleagues in animal science say they will be happy to welcome him back as a professor.

“Topel has had a remarkable career, and we regret losing his talents and experience as a dean,” Provost John Kozak said in a press release. “But we are pleased that he will continue playing an important role in the college.”

“Oh, we’re delighted,” said Dennis Marple, chairman of the animal science department, about the possibility of Topel teaching again. “He’s an excellent teacher and researcher, and if that’s how it works out, that would be great for the department.”

Marple said Topel joined the staff in 1965, and he was a faculty member in the animal science department until 1979.

“During that time, he was very active in teaching, research and meat quality [issues],” Marple said.

Topel left Ames in 1979 to pursue a position as professor and department head at Auburn University before returning in 1988 as ISU’s dean of the College of Agriculture.

Lauren Christian, distinguished professor of animal science and director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, said he feels Topel has done a terrific job as dean of agriculture.

“He strengthened the outreach program … and enhanced Iowa State’s international programs,” Christian said.

Marple said Topel is well known in the agriculture community.

“He’s internationally respected for his work in agriculture and his past teaching and research,” Marple said.

During Topel’s career as dean, ISU became a leader in biotechnology, Christian said.

“ISU has moved into the cutting edge,” he said.