Job Details

Dean, Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Position Number: 5808438
Location: College Park, MD
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

The University of Maryland (UMD) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Provost, the next Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) will be committed to strong and innovative leadership, eager to articulate and champion a compelling and future-focused AGNR vision. Rooted by the College's five strategic initiatives --- food security; healthy watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay; sustainable agriculture; improving human, animal and environmental health; and optimizing urban environments through design, green technology, and community engagement --- the Dean will promote a culture of impactful scholarship and research, supporting cross-college and school collaborations and advancing interdisciplinary research and partnerships that are in line with the University's strategic priorities. Additionally, the Dean will be deeply committed to building a community whose members constantly intertwine diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect into their teaching and learning, research, and scholarship. Given the University of Maryland Extension is a unique and significant element under the AGNR umbrella, the Dean will thoughtfully balance their campus engagement with relationship building and engagement opportunities with key constituents across the State of Maryland and beyond. Finally, the Dean will be laser focused on supporting student academic success and growing enrollment while also working to increase partnerships and philanthropic support for AGNR's faculty, programs, and students.

The University seeks a strategic, visionary, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and dynamic leader with a national and international perspective; a collegial and consultative leadership style; a deep commitment to student success; and the demonstrated skill of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, staff, and faculty. A terminal degree in a represented field and the scholarly achievement to attain the rank of full professor within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Maryland is required.

The University of Maryland is a diverse and inclusive community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. The University is recognized as one of the nation's top 20 public universities, is the nation's first Do Good campus, and is consistently ranked for its innovation, research, and commitment to inclusive excellence. Propelled by a $1.3 billion joint research enterprise, UMD is dedicated to addressing the grand challenges of our time. Located four miles from Washington, D.C., the University offers an unparalleled student experience with more than 300 academic programs, 25 living-learning programs and 400 study abroad programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, its faculty are global leaders in their field and include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and members of the national academies.

In 1856, UMD was founded as the Maryland Agricultural College. As the University's cornerstone, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is shaped by a commitment to its land-grant heritage and mission to integrate academics, extension, and research for the benefit of Maryland citizens. AGNR is dedicated to discovering new approaches and ideas through a commitment to cutting edge research and tackling the local and global challenges of a rapidly changing world including feeding the world, stewarding our planet, and serving public purpose all in the name of creating a sustainable future.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is a complex and far-reaching college at the University of Maryland that includes:

Seven academic departments (plus a joint program in Environmental Science and Policy)
Roughly 1000 faculty and staff (plus faculty in Entomology; Cell Biology; and Molecular Genetics)
Total student enrollment of 1,329
A robust Agricultural Experiment Station that supports agriculture and natural resource-related research in three different colleges: College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; College of Computer, Math, and Natural Sciences; and the School of Public Health
Four Research and Education centers at eight locations that serve six million Maryland residents
Extension offices in 23 counties and Baltimore city and a close working relationship with University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Four program areas within Extension:
- 4-H Youth Development
- Agriculture & Food Systems
- Environment & Natural Resources
- Family & Consumer Sciences
Complex budgeting system at the federal, state and County levels totaling over $105 million

Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Professional references are not requested at this time. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 27, 2025.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington, and Jess Cummings at MarylandAGNRDean@wittkieffer.com.

The anticipated compensation range for this position is between $350,000 and $375,000 annually.

Benefits Information: Benefits Overview for Regular Exempt Employees Additional Information

Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.