Rick Klemme, associate dean of UW-Madison”s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program leader, will serve as Cooperative Extension”s Interim Dean and Director for a three-year period, beginning Feb. 1, 2007.

UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor David Wilson made the appointment after consulting widely with a number of constituents.

“I”m convinced that Rick has the depth and breadth of experience to successfully lead Cooperative Extension as we move forward,” said Wilson. “This interim position will allow us to maintain and build on Cooperative Extension”s strength and stability during this time of transition.”

Klemme has been involved in extension, research and teaching for more than 25 years as a faculty member and administrator at UW-Madison and UW-Extension.

“I accepted this position with its challenges and opportunities knowing that I have an opportunity to work with 1,000 of the most dedicated, passionate group of extension workers in the country,” Klemme explained. “I also look forward to building on our relationships with the four-year campuses. Our educational programs, whether delivered locally, regionally or statewide depend on the research base from our campus-based colleagues.”

As interim dean and director, Klemme will be responsible for employees located in each of Wisconsin”s 72 counties and on eight UW System campuses. Last year, Cooperative Extension reached more than 1 million people through educational programs that address the learning needs of individuals, families and communities. “Cooperative Extension is one of the best in the country, and I am very enthusiastic about working with people across Wisconsin to begin another chapter in our great history,” added Klemme.

Current Cooperative Extension Dean and Director Arlen Leholm announced last month that he accepted a position effective Feb. 1 as Executive Director for the North Central Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Stations Directors.

Klemme grew up on a farm in east central Illinois. He earned his B.S. in Economics and Mathematics from Illinois State University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University.

Klemme and his wife, Cindy, live in Madison and have three grown children.