The Iowa Stater
November 2000
Double-duty dean makes ISU history
When Richard Ross retires from Iowa State, it will be with the unusual distinction of having served as dean of two colleges. Ross, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine since 1993, also was named dean of the College of Agriculture in July. His appointment is for two years.Since David Topel's resignation last winter, Ross had served as interim Agriculture dean while continuing as Vet Med dean. Now, he will lead the Ag college exclusively. Norman Cheville, professor and chair of veterinary pathology, is serving as interim dean of Vet Med.
"I hope to build on the success and foundation that Dean Topel established in his 12-year administration," Ross said. "And I want to address the changing needs of agriculture in Iowa and in the United States, including the traditional agriculture issues of production and value-added ag."
Ross' "to do" list includes looking at food security and safety, exploring questions and opportunities surrounding genetically modified organisms, and using technology to address needs in traditional ag and environmental sustainability.
Ross also is excited about the prospects for expanding student learning communities, a faculty peer project to improve student learning, and providing students with opportunities to do service learning.
"Our major goals are to place students first and provide the resources faculty need to be successful and to satisfy our clientele around the state," Ross said.