Chairperson-Management

Chairperson-Management

Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a collaborative, strategic, and forward-looking leader to serve as Chairperson of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. This is a compelling and energizing opportunity to join a nationally recognized department at a pivotal moment defined by strong momentum, meaningful investment, and a shared commitment to advancing the future of veterinary medicine.

The Department is distinguished by its breadth across species, disciplines, and mission areas, as well as the strength of its community. The department is supported by an accomplished, collaborative faculty who are committed to their students, their work, and the College's mission. Their efforts are enabled by exceptional facilities, including the Veterinary Medical Center, the Pegasus Critical Care Center, the Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center, the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, and other Teaching and Research Centers.

The department operates within a dynamic ecosystem spanning the university, state government, and industry. MSU's partnerships with state agencies, agricultural leaders, and allied industries create opportunities for applied research, policy engagement, and real-world impact, reinforcing the university's land-grant mission. MSU and the state of Michigan have been recognized nationally for their collaborative approach to handling emerging animal health issues, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The timing of this role is especially exciting. The College is advancing a significant capital campaign, including plans for a new veterinary college and hospital, offering the next Chair the opportunity to help shape the future of veterinary medicine. At the same time, the department is navigating important priorities, including strengthening clinical capacity, addressing workforce needs in rural and underserved areas, enhancing integration across mission areas, and responding to emerging trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Within this context, the Chair will play a central role in bringing people together around a shared vision for the future. This role is well suited for a leader who values listening, partnership, and community; someone who can engage faculty across diverse roles, build alignment, and help the department fully realize its collective strengths.

The Chairperson of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences serves as the academic, administrative, and strategic leader of a dynamic department spanning clinical service, research, teaching, and outreach. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Chair will advance the department's mission while fostering a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and professional citizenship. This is an exciting opportunity to join a talented community and help shape the future of a department with broad impact.

The role calls for a visible, approachable, and unifying leader who can bring together a diverse faculty across disciplines, species focus areas, and responsibilities. A central opportunity for the next Chair will be to develop a shared vision that reflects the department's full breadth, while building alignment, strengthening trust, and fostering a cohesive culture. Success will come from listening thoughtfully, engaging broadly, and bringing people together around a clear path forward.

The Chair is responsible for supporting and developing faculty across all mission areas, including recruitment, mentoring, retention, and promotion and tenure processes. The Chair will foster an environment in which faculty can succeed as educators, researchers, clinicians, and contributors to outreach.

The Chair will articulate and implement a clear strategic vision for the future of large animal veterinary medicine orities include strengthening the integration of clinical care, research, and education; expanding clinical capacity and outreach; and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly within MSU's One Health framework. The Chair will also guide the department's approach to emerging issues, including generative AI, workforce needs, and innovation in veterinary education and practice.

With a minimum 50% administrative appointment, the Chair will remain engaged in teaching, research, clinical service, and/or outreach. As such, credibility as a clinician and/or scholar, and the ability to engage meaningfully with students, trainees, faculty, and external stakeholders, is essential.

The Chair will ensure operational effectiveness and academic excellence by setting clear expectations, fostering strong communication, and supporting shared governance. The role also requires a strong commitment to teaching and student outcomes, including strengthening engagement and expanding pathways into large animal and rural veterinary practice.

Externally, the Chair will serve as a key ambassador for the department and College, engaging stakeholders…