Dean, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Alcorn State University, the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States and the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi, invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.

Alcorn State University is known for its strong academic programs in agriculture, business, education, and the arts. The university also has a strong athletic program and is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is a valuable resource for the state of Mississippi. The College's graduates are employed in a variety of agricultural fields, including crop production, livestock production, food processing, and natural resources management. The College also plays a vital role in providing research and outreach services to the agricultural community.

The Dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is responsible for the overall leadership and administrative management of all faculty, staff, and students in the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. The Dean is responsible for the overall management of all land-grant programs, including physical, fiscal, and human resources of the academic, research, extension, and advanced technologies components throughout the College.

The ideal candidate will have the following personal and professional qualifications:

 

• A doctorate in agriculture or a related field is required.

• Accomplishments commensurate with a rank of full professor.
• A minimum of 5 years of administrative experience in higher education.
• Proven record of outstanding teaching, research, service/outreach, and scholarship.
• Proven record of obtaining external funding and commitment to support those efforts within a College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences or similar setting.
• Proven record of developing and maintaining partnerships and working cooperatively with diverse constituencies, external agencies, and businesses.
• Knowledge of the mission, philosophy, and culture of Alcorn’s history as a land-grant HBCU.
• Knowledge and experience in federal and private grant management and fundraising.
• Knowledge of accreditation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop programs and work effectively with internal and external constituencies and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in successful team building, staff development, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated experience with student, faculty and staff retention initiatives and efforts.
• Demonstrated skill in leadership, effective management and organization, financial planning and budget preparation, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skilled in cross-cultural communication and multicultural competence.
• Demonstrated ability to provide efficient leadership and maintain the respect of the departments supervised.
• Ability to provide leadership for outstanding teaching, research, and extension activity.
• Ability to provide a well-articulated vision for enhancing student achievement.
• Ability to relate and communicate with traditional 1890 clientele.
• Know the historical perspective of the 1890 community.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and accomplishments in hiring, developing, and retaining staff that is effective in recruiting, teaching, and communicating effectively with students and members of the farming and public from underserved communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and success in working with National and Local Agricultural Alumni Associations Organizations to garner support and to enhance cooperative programs and recognition activities of outstanding graduates.

 

How to Apply

Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to Greenwood Asher & Associates. Application materials should include:

• A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position;
• A leadership & management philosophy statement;
• A current résumé/curriculum vitae; and
• The name and email address of five professional references.

 

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Please direct inquiries, nominations, and application materials to:

 

Marion Frenche, SHRM-CP

Associate Vice President of Executive Search &

Practice Leader, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Greenwood Asher & Associates

E-mail: marionfrenche@greenwoodsearch.com

 

Lois Stetson, Senior Executive Search Consultant,

Greenwood Asher & Associates

E-mail: loisstetson@greenwoodsearch.com

 

Alcorn State University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Alcorn State University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.