Scholl appointed interim dean of College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences

Daniel Scholl, associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at South Dakota State University, has been appointed interim dean of the college.

The appointment became effective May 23, when former Dean Barry H. Dunn assumed the presidency of the university. Scholl also will continue as director of SDAES during the interim role, with Bill Gibbons, professor of biology and microbiology, serving as interim associate director.

“Daniel’s experience, perspective and vision will assure that the college continues moving forward during this time of transition,” said Dunn. “Since coming to SDSU, he has shown himself to be an excellent leader, one who understands the critical importance of the university’s agricultural and scientific research to the state, the nation and the world.”

Dennis Hedge, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said Scholl’s background and expertise have prepared him well for leadership. “Dr. Scholl is an internationally recognized scholar, researcher and administrator,” Hedge said. “He will be able to build on the college’s many successes.”

Scholl will serve in the interim role until a national search can be conducted and permanent replacement named, according to Hedge.

“I’m honored to serve in this role and look forward to working more broadly with the excellent team President Dunn has assembled,” said Scholl. “The college has many talented people, important ongoing research, solid relationships with stakeholders and commodity groups and clear strategic objectives to help guide us. Dr. Gibbons is very well-suited to assure the smooth and effective operation of the SDAES. His enthusiastic willingness to serve will have a great impact.”

Prior to joining SDSU in 2011, Scholl served as the scientific director of the Canadian Bovine Mastitis Research Network and was on the faculty of veterinary medicine at the University of Montreal for nine years. Before that, he spent 10 years in research and instruction at Louisiana State University. Earlier, he was a member of the faculty of veterinary medicine at the State University of Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Scholl completed three degrees from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, including a Bachelor of Science in veterinary science in 1985, a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1987, and master of preventive veterinary medicine in epidemiology in the department of epidemiology and preventive medicine in 1988. He received his Ph.D. in epidemiology from the Department of Herd Health and Reproduction State University of Utrecht, the Netherlands in 1992.