Position Summary:

Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources invites applications and nominations for the position of Chairperson of the Department of Animal Science, an interdisciplinary department that provides a stimulating intellectual environment for engaged scholarship. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to embody and convey the land-grant mission of teaching, research, and Extension/outreach to varying audiences, provide effective leadership and management of multidisciplinary programs, be a strong advocate for all aspects of the Department, and provide leadership for the continuing development of outstanding regional, national, and international programs. The full time, annual appointment position is available beginning July 1, 2017.



The Chairperson of the Department of Animal Science provides facilitative leadership of the Department in all teaching, research, extension, and outreach programs and is expected to maintain and enhance a creative and productive environment for faculty, staff, and students. The Chairperson serves as the principal representative of the Department with authority and responsibility for administrative decisions. The Chairperson reports directly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and interacts with senior leadership of the College, Michigan State University Extension, and MSU AgBio Research on a regular basis.



Key responsibilities of the Chairperson include:

-Provide visionary leadership for creating, advancing, and articulating the mission of the Department and the land-grant mission, promoting national and international prominence;

-Encourage balanced and integrated teaching, research, extension, and outreach programs throughout Michigan, nationally, and internationally;

-Work with faculty to identify existing and emerging opportunities and develop strategic short- and long-range plans for departmental enhancement;

-Recruit outstanding faculty and staff, assign responsibilities, evaluate performance, and promote faculty, student and staff development;

-Support faculty and student achievement and foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, creativity and mentorship and create a departmental culture wherein diverse faculty, staff, and students thrive;

-Manage and administer Department budgets, including departmental farms, and provide oversight in the procurement of financial and other resources;

-Work cooperatively within the departmental governance structure, which currently includes an associate chair, coordinators of undergraduate and graduate programs, and a department-elected Department Advisory Committee;

-Serve as liaison and advocate for the Department within the larger governance structure of the College and University;

-Communicate and foster relationships with clientele, including departmental alumni, governmental leaders, MSU administrators, other campus units, stakeholders, and professional and disciplinary groups;

-Represent the Department to state and federal agencies, private organizations, partners and collaborators, and key industry groups; and

-Advance fund development at the Department, College, and University levels.
Faculty: Minimum Qualifications Support Staff: Minimum Requirements

The Department of Animal Science is seeking a dynamic individual with an outstanding record of achievement, including a distinguished record of scholarship, leadership, team building, and dedication to the land grant mission. The applicant should have an appreciation for the range of disciplines in animal science and the diverse functions of teaching, research, Extension, and outreach, and must exhibit preparedness for administration of a large, diverse faculty. The successful candidate must possess outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to promote the Department and increase its national and international prominence. Qualified candidates must have a doctorate in animal science or related discipline and meet the requirements for tenure at the rank of full professor in the Department of Animal Science.
Desired Qualifications: