Molly Jahn, dean of UW-Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has been appointed to a senior position in the United States Department of Agriculture, university officials reported.
Jahn, who became the first female dean of CALS when she was hired in 2006, will serve as deputy undersecretary of research, education and economics beginning November 9.
Chancellor Biddy Martin has granted Jahn a one-year leave of absence from her duties at the university and is currently working on a transition plan for CALS.
In her new position, Jahn will oversee the Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Jahn said in a statement that she considers the appointment a ""once in a lifetime chance."" She said she wants to impact how the nation approaches agricultural and environmental issues.
