Dean College of Agriculture
Dean College of Agriculture
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Job Description
ABOUT KSU
Founded 1863 as the nations first operational landgrant university Kansas State University has grown into a comprehensive research university with more than 20200 students 1300 faculty and 3000 staff members. It spans three physical campuses: the main campus in Manhattan; KState Salina home to aviation and technology programs; and KState Olathe which serves the industry and workforce needs of Greater Kansas City.
KState has nine colleges Graduate School and KState Online and offers more than 400 degrees and options from bachelors to doctoral degrees. KState Research and Extension also serves the citizenry with a presence in every county throughout Kansas and supports research in more than 20 KState departments. KState has an annual budget of more than $900 million.
KState is known for the passion and pride of its alumni. With more than 200000 living graduates the KState Alumni Association ranks in the top 10 among Power Five conferences for the percentage of graduates who are members. Private giving to the university is around $200 million per year and the value of KStates longterm investment pool is $1 billion. The university and foundation recently completed a major fundraising campaign that raised $1.6 billion.
The Princeton Review recognizes the university as one of the nations best colleges. KState also has been designated as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Landgrant Universities and is recognized as a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. Commonly referred to as KState the university is proud of its welcoming environment.
Mission
At KState passion drives our purpose. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to the meaningful impact of their work collectively shaping the future of our nextgeneration landgrant university. Every employee plays a vital role in advancing our mission touching the lives of Kansans and communities worldwide. Through our research teaching and service we strive to create positive change and realize KStates vision of becoming a leading landgrant institution.
NextGen KState Strategic Plan
Guided by the greater good.
Through the NextGen KState strategic planning process the university community identified six core values that orient our thinking inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves and serve as our guideposts as we make the decisions that drive us forward. As we live these values together we collectively express our unity as One KState in all that we do.
Connection. We are stronger together cultivating trust and building relationships to connect our KState community with our state nation and world.
Courage. We lead with bold conviction rising to the moment even when the course is uncharted to deliver the greatest good for areas of greatest need.
Impact. We listen adapt and challenge the status quo leading change through learning and discovery that transforms lives and creates shared prosperity for all.
LearnerFocused. We welcome all who seek to learn and grow providing an accessible inclusive and exceptional experience that helps them achieve their potential.
PeopleCentered. We are everything because of our people supporting valuing and inspiring our entire KState community and championing a culture of belonging for all.
Stewardship. We are committed to our future using our resources responsibly to leave a positive lasting legacy.
University and student achievements.
- Innovation and Economic Prosperity University designation Association of Public and Landgrant Universities.
- Carnegie Community Engagement Classification Carnegie Foundation.
- 96 of graduates are employed or furthering their education.
- 85.5 sustained freshmantosophomore retention rate.
- 15 times in the last 19 years KStates Black Student Union named Big 12s most outstanding Black student government council.
- 21 of students are firstgeneration.
- 500 student clubs and organizations.
- $91M in scholarships and awards in 202324.
Athletics
As a founding member of the Big 12 KState competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision of NCAA Division I. The university has garnered 18 Big 12 championships including a 2022 title in football and is coming off a memorable Elite Eight run in mens basketball in 2023. KState Athletics has maintained national acclaim as one of the NCAAs most financially solvent programs and remains one of just a few dozen universities nationwide and the only institution in Kansas to operate without use of state tax or university tuition dollars. Wildcat studentathletes continue to shine in the classroom as all programs exceeded benchmarks for the eight straight years in the latest NCAA APR rankings while also ranking among the best in the Big 12 in graduation rates.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
Situated in the heart of northeast Kansas scenic Flint Hills Manhattans 55000 citizens enjoy a dynamic region with shopping dining entertainment and nightlife. Manhattan is also conveniently located for quick access to major urban centers. In addition to being less than two hours from Kansas City the Manhattan Regional Airport offers multiple jet flights daily to DallasFort Worth and Chicago.
Additionally the city of Manhattan has been a valuable partner to Kansas State University in facilitating growth of the institution. Thats why the Princeton Review routinely recognizes Manhattan and Kansas State in the Top 5 community Town & Gown Relations. Manhattan has also been ranked No. 2 Best Place to Live in America by Livability. Manhattan is affectionately known as the Little Apple a nod to its East Coast namesake but has a vibrant culture all its own.
A sampling of what residents look forward to yearround:
- A costofliving index of 89 of the U.S. average according to the Council for Community and Economic Research.
- Shopping dining and socializing in Aggieville a local entertainment district with a fun energetic vibe.
- A vibrant revitalized downtown area with fine dining options and local boutiques.
- Recreation opportunities at the Konza Prairie Tuttle Creek Lake and State Park Linear Trail and more.
- A vibrant health care community including a 150bed acute care facility and an independent stateoftheart surgical center.
- The universitys McCain Performance Series which hosts acclaimed Broadway musicals comedians musicians and other entertainers.
- Exciting Big 12 athletic events from a Power 5 conference.
- Colbert Hills Golf Course ranked as the top public golf course in Kansas.
- Excellent K12 education. The local high school ranks among the top 5 percent of U.S. high schools and the district is home to several Kansas Master Teachers.
ABOUT KSTATE AGRICULTURE
Were proud to be recognized as one of the nations top agricultural schools. Its not something we seek out. Its an outgrowth of our dedication to advancing the science of agriculture and the art of teaching. Our faculty truly care about students colleagues and the world we serve. Every day we put our hands and minds together to work on better ways to achieve sustainability feed billions build agribusinesses and improve lives with thoughtful wellresearched use of plants animals numbers and words.
Mission
The mission of the College of Agriculture is to advance agriculture; protect natural resources; increase economic activity; and improve the lives and livelihoods of all Kansans through education research and outreach.
Core Values
The College of Agriculture is guided by the following core organizational values:
- INTEGRITYto develop and deliver credible information.
- COMMUNICATIONto provide common understanding.
- SCHOLARSHIPto foster lifelong learning.
By the Numbers
- 1863: KState opened as the countrys first operational landgrant university.
- 2600: College of Ag undergraduate and graduate student enrollment
- $88 million: Colleges average annual research expenditure
ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
As part of Kansas State University a comprehensive R1 landgrant institution the College of Agriculture is devoted to excellence in teaching research extension and engagement. The College is fully committed to advancing the Universitys landgrant mission and its vision to become a NextGeneration LandGrant University.
KState College of Agriculture faculty are leaders of education and scientific discovery in the fields of agriculture food and natural resources. The college is organized by nine departments that share an interdisciplinary approach and a commitment to advancing the public good through agriculture. Together these departments offer 16 undergraduate majors 16 minors and graduate programs in 11 fields.
ABOUT KSRE
KState Research and Extension improves Kansans lives livelihoods and communities through education research engagement and leadership. With scientists educators and volunteers in each of the states 105 counties our professionals strive to make the universitys research and scientific accomplishments accessible and relevant to every household.
We accomplish this through programming and educational resources designed to address the states Grand Challenges. We focus on issues such as conserving Kansas water and natural resources advancing agriculture and food systems developing the states future leaders and helping Kansans thrive through economic health and community enriching efforts.
Who We Are
We are a network of dedicated extension specialists agents researchers and volunteers who partner with Kansans to help solve problems. We understand key issues because we are close to them. Most of our state extension specialists and researchers can be found in different academic colleges on KStates campus.
Impact
KState Research and Extension aims to improve Kansans lives livelihoods and communities through education research and innovation. With specialists housed in different disciplines across campus and extension agents in every Kansas county KState Research and Extension provides resources and information relevant to Kansans everyday lives.
Statewide and local efforts help Kansans with the challenges of global and local food systems water and natural resources health and wellness community vitality and development of the states future leaders. Learn more about our Grand Challenges.
However what we do is not contained only within state borders. Our work with regional national and international organizations helps create positive impacts for millions of people through many different program areas. View a full list of our extension programming areas.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Kansas State University seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to advance the missions of the College and KState Research and Extension (KSRE) by serving as the next Eldon Gideon Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of KSRE. The successful candidate must have the experience and vision to inspire guide and facilitate the Colleges faculty and staff in the advancement of highquality teaching research engagement and extension while providing leadership that assures the integrity excellence relevance and success of the Colleges multifaceted programs. The Dean reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President Jesse Perez Mendez and serves as a member of the Academic Leadership Council and Deans Council.
This position is ideal for a cutting edge learnercentric leader with a proven history of successful growth initiatives strong partnership and collaboration skills strategic vision and resultsfocused leadership. The next Dean will be required to grow the Colleges excellence in teaching research extension and engagement; promote a teamoriented leadership approach; drive further development and growth in enrollment disciplines and degrees; and cultivateinternal and external partnerships to propel the advancement of the Colleges Next Gen KState Strategic Plan.Responsibilities and Core Duties
The Dean/Director will serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Agriculture and KSRE providing leadership strategic vision and direction and support. As KSRE Director this individual is also responsible for oversight of the strategic direction and coordination of programming and activities for the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service and the Agricultural Experiment Station located across the state including all State and Federal oversight. Specific responsibilities include:
- leading all academic programs in the College;
- promoting highquality undergraduate graduate and noncredit experiences;
- supporting effective academic advising and mentoring;
- building continued excellence and growth in research extension and engagement programs serving the state nation and world;
- being actively involved in the recruitment and retention of high caliber learners faculty and staff to the college as well as promoting a welcoming environment;
- working productively with learners faculty staff department heads deans administrators and the broader community on interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives;
- providing strategic leadership for advancing the Colleges strategic plan with the Universitys vision to become a NextGeneration LandGrant University;
- leading fundraising efforts on behalf of the College with a high degree of personal involvement;
- strengthening strategic relationships and engagement with the community stakeholders alumni legislators industry and benefactors across the state and beyond working closely with constituents on issues related to the enhancement of the College and the University.
Educational Requirements
- An earned doctorate in one of the disciplines represented in the College or in a closely related field.
Required Competencies/Qualifications
- A strong record of distinguished academic achievement in teaching research and/or extension which merits appointment as a tenured full professor in one of the Colleges departments with evidence of professional distinction and national or international recognition in their field.
- Demonstrated success as an innovative and strategic leader with the ability to plan coordinate articulate and execute a strategic vision and initiatives while engaging others.
- Demonstrated success as a strategic and creative planner and as a relationship builder with exceptional collaboration communication emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
- A proven record as a successful administrator in higher education with responsibility for guiding strategy managing finances evaluating personnel motivating faculty and staff acquiring and allocating resources engaging external constituencies and fostering teamwork to create collaborative relationships across varying groups.
- Demonstrated success in fund development and external fundraising.
- A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to all aspects of the landgrant mission including teaching research extension and engagement.
- A recognition and appreciation for educational access and opportunities in a positive working environment.
Preferred Competencies/Qualifications
- A proven ability to develop and implement successful interdisciplinary and/or international programs.
- A proven ability to initiate lead and facilitate transformational change and innovation initiatives be adaptable with changing conditions and comfortable with the ambiguity that accompanies a large public university.
- Firm grasp of the opportunities and advantages of a landgrant university with R1 status
- A history of building enhancing and sustaining partnerships across a university local communities state region and nation.
- Understanding of and commitment to shared governance to achieve college and universitywide goals.
Application Process
Confidential inquiries nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration application materials should be received no later than March 7 2025. Candidates should provide a letter of application describing their interest and qualifications for the position current vita and five references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Nominations and application materials should be sent electronically via email to Martin Baker and Chelsie Whitelock of Buffkin / Baker at .
Employment Type
Full Time
