Carolyn Davis, the assistant dean for administrative services, has accepted a position at the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Va., as the director of the college’s auxiliary services, effective in January.

Davis, who moved from Colorado in 2002 to take the position, said she had come to the campus after more than 20 years working in the private sector.

"I wanted to work where I could really make a difference," she said. "And I have."

Now, while she was excited for the new opportunity, she said she would miss the academic excellence of her colleagues and the tight-knit nature of both the campus and Baraboo community.

"This decision was not an easy one," she said. "When the offer came, I was so excited, but then the reality hit.

"I kind of viewed Baraboo as the place where I would put down roots and retire ... You never know where life’s going to take you."

Davis said some of her proudest achievements at the school include completing the campus’ master plan, and the yet-to-be-built Living and Learning Center, which had been "a passion" of hers for the last five years.

In addition, she said, she was proud of having helped many students be able to afford their time on the campus, saying she could count on one hand the number of students she was not able to find a solution for.

"To be able to help students realize their dreams ... has been more rewarding than you’ll ever know," she said.

Campus dean Tom Pleger said Davis had been "an outstanding and dedicated colleague," and a valuable member of the staff.

"She has had a significant impact on the campus and our community and she will be missed," he said. "I am extremely happy and proud of Carolyn."

Davis will remain at UW-BSC until Jan. 18, and Pleger said the campus, already beginning the search for her replacement, could expect a smooth transition.

Davis, who completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at William and Mary, said she was looking forward to returning to Virginia, where she grew up from the age of 12.

Her father, a brother and a sister still live in the area, and she said she was looking forward as well to being close to her family members.

"In many ways it is truly going home for me," Davis said.