Position Function
Mississippi State University seeks to hire a Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES). Mississippi State University (MSU) represents the highest level of research activity for doctorate-granting institutions and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1-Very High Research Activity University. A National Science Foundation “Top 100” research University, MSU shelters a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society, and values the talents of our distinguished faculty, staff, and student scholars. With over 22,000 students and 4,600 faculty and staff, MSU is located in Starkville, MS. Here, a culture of inclusion is fostered, and we are driven each day to make a difference at the local, state, regional, national and global levels. We invite you to join MSU as we continue our momentum in research, teaching, and service.
CALS presents a broad array of opportunities for study, encompassing nine schools and departments, offering 17 majors and 45 concentrations for undergraduates and 17 majors and 38 concentrations for graduate degrees. MSU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences comprises the following departments: Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Agricultural Economics; Animal and Dairy Sciences; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology; Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion; School of Human Sciences; Landscape Architecture; Plant and Soil Sciences; and Poultry Science. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,181 undergraduate and 440 graduate students. There are approximately 231 full-time equivalents (FTE) faculty employed in the College. Some faculty are located at regional Centers and Units. Additional information regarding the CALS can be found at https://www.cals.msstate.edu/
MAFES is a separately funded unit that receives direct state and federal funds. The mission of MAFES is to address issues important and relevant to Mississippi farmers, industry, communities and families. MAFES discoveries improve plant, animal, and food production systems to enhance commodity production and conserve the environment for the benefit of all people. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station’s 16 branch locations serve all regions of the state. A complete listing of branches and departments along with additional information can be found at https://www.mafes.msstate.edu
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Dean/Director jointly reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President and the Vice President for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine (DAFVM). The Dean/Director serves along with the other Deans and Directors as a member of the University’s Academic Council and a member of the DAFVM senior management team, providing visionary leadership for planning, budgeting, and resource development. The Dean/Director is responsible for developing strategic goals for CALS/MAFES and evaluating programs, faculty, and staff within CALS/MAFES. The Dean/Director develops and maintains productive relationships with agricultural producers;
industry constituents; federal, state, and local government agencies; and organizations and associations concerned with agriculture and natural resources and community development. The Dean/Director promotes diversity within CALS/MAFES with respect to faculty, staff, and students. The combined budget of CALS and MAFES is approximately $39 Million per year. The Dean/Director is responsible for internal oversight of these funds, seeking extramural funds, and external advocacy to enhance Foundation funding.
The Dean/Director works closely with the MSU Extension Service Director to maintain a collaborative partnership by integrating research and Extension programs throughout the state.
Qualifications
Candidates should have an earned doctorate in an appropriate area in agriculture, life science, or a related field with credentials and experience to qualify for the rank of professor with tenure in a discipline within the College. The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to work effectively with the academic, food, agriculture and business communities, industry constituents, and federal partners. A record of successful administrative leadership and achievement, including the acquisition of public and private resources to develop and expand strong programs, is also required. Candidates should have substantial experience with a minimum of four years of significant administrative experience. The successful candidate should have a thorough familiarity and understanding of the land-grant system and the interrelationship between the teaching, research, and extension programs. The candidate must possess the vision and experience to lead a complex organization in developing and enhancing its research mission in service to the state, region, and nation as a premier research leader.
Salary
Salary commensurate with education, experience, competitive benefits.
