Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences/College of Forest Resources and Director, Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Experiment Station/Forest and Wildlife Research Center

Mississippi State University invites applications/nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Forest Resources (CFR) and Director of the Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC).

Mississippi State University

The dean is the chief academic officer of the two colleges. The director is the chief administrative officer of MAFES and FWRC. The dean/director provides leadership for the two academic colleges and two research units by fostering excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and service to the community. The dean/director represents the colleges, the division, and the university to external agencies, constituents, and legislative leaders at the local, state, and federal levels. The dean/director actively participates in fundraising initiatives of the four units and works closely with other deans, department heads within the two colleges, and directors within the division and within the university.

Minimum Qualifications:  Applicants must have an earned doctorate in a discipline represented in the colleges or in an area germane to MAFES or FWRC research as well as be qualified for an appointment at the rank of tenured professor. The successful applicant must possess the vision and experience necessary to lead complex, multi-disciplinary units in developing and enhancing their academic and research missions in service to the state, region, and nation. Applicants must be thoroughly familiar with the land-grant system and have a strong desire to promote excellence in the two colleges, the two research units, and throughout the division and the university. They must also have a strong desire to lead the units to a position of regional and national prominence. Applicants should have a minimum of five years of administrative experience, preferably in both academic and research settings. Experience at a land-grant university, a science background, and experience in grant generation necessary to lead a world-class research program as well as proven success in private sector fundraising is highly desired. 

Applications: Application review will begin April 15, 2011 and continue until a successful candidate is identified.  Applicants should submit a letter of interest; a statement of administrative philosophy; a statement of the applicant's vision for the two colleges, MAFES, and FWRC and how these units will work together; a complete curriculum vitae; and names and complete contact information to include addresses and telephone/email for five professional references. Applications must be made online (Requisition #5808).  Nominations of outstanding potential candidates are welcome.  For more information, contact Jim West at (662)325-2202; P.O. Box AQ, MS State, MS 39762.

MSU is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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