"Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences"

The primary purpose of the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is to serve as the chief executive and academic officer responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction of the College. The position ensures alignment of all academic, research, Extension, fiscal, and operational functions with the University's land‑grant mission and the strategic priorities outlined in Preeminence 2030: North Carolina A&T Blueprint. The Dean provides executive oversight for the College's academic programs, research portfolio, Cooperative Extension services, University Farm operations, and all external engagement activities that support statewide and national impact.

This position holds delegated authority for long‑range planning, organizational leadership, financial stewardship, compliance management, and performance accountability across a complex, multidisciplinary enterprise. The Dean is responsible for developing and executing strategies that expand high‑quality teaching and learning, increase externally funded research, strengthen doctoral education, support enrollment growth, and enhance student retention and completion outcomes. The role also includes directing the effective management of an annual operating budget of approximately $50.7 million and ensuring adherence to federal, state, UNC System, and institutional policies.

The Dean provides leadership in organizational restructuring, workforce planning, and the recruitment, retention, development, and evaluation of faculty and staff. The position also requires leading through significant institutional change, applying evidence‑based decision‑making, and ensuring that processes, systems, and structures support efficient, compliant, and mission‑aligned operations.

Serving as the chief external representative for CAES, the Dean is responsible for cultivating partnerships with industry, government agencies, community organizations, donors, alumni, and advisory boards to support fundraising, workforce development, collaborative research, and resource generation. The Dean ensures the College maintains high visibility and strong credibility at the local, state, national, and international levels.

The position reports to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and contributes to institutional governance as a member of the Deans' Council. The Dean is charged with maintaining an inclusive academic environment, upholding the principles of equity and access, and advancing the University's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, formerly the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences prior to July 1, 2016, houses the Departments of Agricultural and Environmental Systems; Animal Sciences; Family and Consumer Sciences; Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education; and Natural Resources and Environmental Design. In addition, the College houses the NCAT component of the North Carolina Extension Service and the approximately 490-acre University Farm.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an 1890 land-grant, doctoral higher research institution and one of 17 constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina System. The University's learner-centered community develops and preserves intellectual capital through interdisciplinary learning, discovery, and community engagement.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Qualifications appropriate for an appointment to the faculty as a tenured full professor.
• At least three years of significant senior leadership and administrative experience, in addition to academic service; and
• Experience as the chief officer (dean, chair/head, director), president or similarly ranked senior management position.
• Evidence working with agricultural extension.
• Excellent budget management skills.
• Successful record of fundraising.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience and knowledge of holistic student success, including academic and career development.
• Demonstrated success in extramural research funding, high-quality education and curriculum design.
• Evidence of formal leadership development.
• A strong record of effective organization and administration skills with demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Evidence working across disciplines outside of agriculture and environmental sciences.
• A commitment to student learning and promoting a culture that values diversity.

Preferred:

• A minimum of five years of academic leadership and administrative experience.
• Strong record as a visionary, dynamic and collaborative leader.
• Evidence of ability to position the University's assets and capabilities to advance the College, expand research, including competitive, extramural research, and elevate student success using an evidence-based, data-informed approach.

A successful candidate for this position will demonstrate skills and knowledge related to partnering with University Advancement.

To Apply

For full consideration, please apply by March 11, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled and applications may be considered after the priority date.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjywi67g

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae.

Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to NCATDeanCAES@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominees' name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com