The Department of Horticultural Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University invites applications for one full-time, Academic Professional Track (Non-Tenure) position with a 9-month academic appointment. The anticipated start date of this position is June 4, 2024. Applicants will be considered for the faculty title of Instructional Associate Professor, Instructional Professor, or Professor of Practice depending on qualifications, with the intent of holding the Endowed M. "Buddy" Benz Chair in Floral Design. Nomination to the Endowed Chair will occur after the candidate is hired and requires approval at the College and University levels. The selected candidate will be the Director of the Benz School as well. A transition and training period for this position will occur with the current Benz Director/Endowed Chair until December 31, 2024.
Academic Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to teach two or three courses per semester. Courses may include Hort 203 Floral Design, Hort 451 Retail Floristry, Hort 452 Wedding and Personal Flowers, Hort 453 Floral Art, Hort 454 Special Event Design and Production. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the planning, procurement, and processing of lab materials and supplies for classes taught, serve as co-advisor for the Texas A&M student chapter of SAIFD, lead the coordination and implementation of the floral décor for campus special events through class projects and SAIFD, and assist with the management of the Certificate in Floral Design. The candidate should be proficient and tactful in his/her ability to meet, communicate, and deal effectively with students, visitors, the general public, and co-workers, and serve on departmental/college/university committees.
Director of Benz School Responsibilities:
As Director, the successful candidate will be expected to manage and teach Benz summer continuing education courses, administer the Benz Certified Floral Design (CFD) evaluation, and maintain a strong social media presence. The successful candidate will also research and provide (curate) exhibits for the Benz Gallery of Floral Art, maintain the Benz floral art collection, and manage the Benz Gallery atrium plantings. In addition, the successful candidate will administer and manage the Benz School Korea program, San Jacinto Publishing (Benz books), and iCEV contracts/collaborations. The candidate should engage with floral organizations, garden clubs, and horticultural organizations on a local, regional, state, and national level, and be active in professional organizations. Supervision of the Benz Program Assistant and two or three student workers will also be expected.