Tenured: Professor and Department Head of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University invites applications for the full-time, tenured position of Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications (ALEC). The anticipated start date is January 1, 2025. This is an 9-month tenured position, with a research appointment (negotiable from 25%-50%), and an administrative stipend equivalent to two months of summer salary. Additional support in the form of a post-doctoral scientist is available upon establishment of a Hatch or multi-state Hatch project. The administrative stipend and post-doctoral support will be effective for as long as the individual holds the position of Department Head.

The Professor and Head will serve as the chief administrative officer of the Department and as an advocate for the disciplines that it represents. The Head reports to the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station. The position provides leadership and support for numerous faculty initiatives, including enhancing and expanding undergraduate and graduate education, increasing contributions to knowledge and science through extramurally funded research, fostering collegiality and interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, conducting extension and outreach programs, securing additional resources, strengthening relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, and promoting the dissemination of science-based findings to inform public policy and private decision-makers.

ALEC is one of 15 academic departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Of ALEC’s 32 faculty, there are 1 Regents Professor, 3 Endowed Professors, and numerous faculty who are Fellows in international and national professional societies. The Department offers three bachelor’s, three master’s, one doctorate, 5 minors and numerous certificate programs with an approximate enrollment of 1,200 undergraduates and 120 graduate students. ALEC includes the Organizational Development Unit of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service supporting 500 county Extension agents and 200 specialists in 250 county offices and 13 regional Research and Extension Centers statewide. For more information, see http://www.alec.tamu.edu/.

Candidates for the position of Professor and Department Head must have an earned doctorate in the social or behavioral sciences or related field and knowledge and experience in agriculture and life sciences or a related field, with a record of distinction in research, teaching, outreach, and service that would qualify them for Tenure and the rank of Professor at Texas A&M. They are expected to have led and should continue to lead a dynamic and productive, nationally and internationally recognized research program. We encourage candidates with ongoing active research programs, interest in continuing active scholarship, and demonstrated experience in academic administration to apply. Candidates must provide evidence of visionary leadership, strategic and innovative thinking, and a commitment to student education. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students and to strongly and effectively represent them to University administrators, state and federal agencies, industry, and the public.  A commitment to working cooperatively within a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of scholars and educators is essential. A record of success in securing grant funding and additional program support is also highly desired.

Applicants should submit: 1) cover letter in .pdf format; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae in .pdf format; 3) a personal statement of vision for the department, specifically addressing administrative philosophy, education, research, extension, and service, and 4) contact information for five references. Applications must be submitted online at: apply.interfolio.com/151384. Questions should be emailed to Search Advisory Committee Chair, Audrey McElroy, at audrey.mcelroy@ag.tamu.edu. Review of applications begins on September 16, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. The position is available to begin on January 1, 2025, or as negotiated.