Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

The University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) and the Division of Agriculture invite nominations and applications for the position of dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and senior associate vice president for academic programs of the Division of Agriculture (SAVP). The university and division seek a dynamic, strategic leader who will shape and support the college’s growth as part of the state’s only R1 university and its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension.

The next dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and SAVP of the division will build on a long tradition of scholarship and elevate the institution by raising the school’s national profile and by recruiting top students, faculty and staff. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who will build strong relationships within the college, across the campus and throughout the community. The dean and SAVP will also excel as an administrator of college and division resources, including (but not limited to) budget and fundraising while rallying support for innovation and continued excellence. Finally, the dean and SAVP will build on the college’s tradition of inclusivity in education through faculty-supported plans for inclusion, student organizations and consistent efforts to recruit students and faculty, and by representing a broad range of perspectives and experiences.

The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences offers 14 majors and 25 minors through eight departments and the School of Human Environmental Sciences. The college has some of the highest graduation rates on campus and houses 245 faculty and staff assisting 2,307 students. The college offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees alongside a thriving Honor’s Program and International Program Office. Through multiple opportunities in experiential learning through hands-on labs, professional and leadership development and internships, students receive a robust understanding of their chosen academic fields.

The dean and SAVP is also an important part of the university’s leadership team. University leaders exhibit a broad range of skills and competencies, and the university continues to enhance its support for executive growth and resiliency. A dean and SAVP who builds relationships with stakeholders by relying on effective communication, collaboration and building trust will be most successful at also ensuring accountability, managing conflict and adapting to changing conditions. The dean and SAVP is expected to have a clear decision-making methodology that incorporates a global perspective. The executive leadership team is at its strongest when its members engage with campus opportunities and challenges openly and courageously to advance our land-grant mission.

The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences plays a critical role in the university’s mission, and this position serves as the chief executive officer of the college, reporting to both the provost and vice president for agriculture. The dean and SAVP is an administrative and educational leader of the college who is responsible for the leadership and management of the college, its academic and research enterprises and all its operations, including fundraising, and the administration of the faculty, alumni, staff, students and external stakeholders as well as local, state and federal government leaders to meet the institutional, system, regional, college and university goals.

As SAVP, the position also reports directly to the vice president for agriculture and works with the senior associate vice presidents for research and for extension to address the many challenges and opportunities faced by agricultural and rural communities in Arkansas. Key areas of focus include student recruitment, leadership for innovative and relevant learning platforms, and the role that the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences can play in preparing students for careers in food, family and environment. The position is the major administrative link between academic activities at the Fayetteville campus and the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture.

The Division of Agriculture includes the Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. In addition to the Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville, the division consists of four outlying research and extension centers, seven branch stations, the Center for Excellence in Poultry Science and the Institute of Food Science and Engineering. Division scientists are also located on the campuses of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The Division’s annual budget is in excess of $130 million.

Professional Experience and Personal Qualifications

The Dean and SAVP will display the following important attributes:

• Superior management, communication, interpersonal, budget, and strategic planning skills
• A successful record of academic leadership and executive experience such as serving as a department head/chair, assistant dean, associate dean, or dean
• An inclusive approach to management and leadership, including a commitment to excellence in recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse faculty and staff
• Experience working with diverse student populations and an ability to communicate with and understand the needs of students
• Experience managing complex budgets and a demonstrated ability to introduce and implement innovative funding initiatives
• Experience with major fundraising initiatives and an ability to represent the university compellingly with alumni and donors
• An ability to communicate effectively and build partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business leaders as well as state and federal policymakers
• Commitment to and support in growing the Bumpers faculty by contributing to the success of teaching, scholarship, and service
• A commitment to student success and supporting student scholarship and excellence inside and outside of the classroom
• A willingness to circulate widely and listen carefully, including a commitment to collaboration and transparency in decision-making

Education and Faculty Rank Requirements

The Dean and SAVP must possess a terminal degree and a record of recognized professional and scholarly achievement that would warrant appointment as a full professor at the University of Arkansas in their respective field of study.

Compensation

The University of Arkansas offers an attractive compensation and benefits package commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.

Applications

Individuals interested in the position can visit the University of Arkansas System Career website to view the job posting and apply. Applicants will need to include and upload the following materials with their application.

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of five Professional References (name, email, business title)

Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials. Open until filled. Complete applications received by June 19 will receive full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.

Nominations

To nominate a candidate for this position, please submit the candidate’s name and contact information by June 5, 2023, to:

Mike Malone, Search Chair
Vice Chancellor for Economic Development
University of Arkansas
mikem@uark.edu