Professor and Head - AG Science and Plant Protection

Position Function:

Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications andnominations for the position of Head of the Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection. This is a full-timeadministrative role offering a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and scientifically diverse department committed to excellence in research, Extension, and teaching within the Land-Grant mission.

The department encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plantpathology, and weed science with a current total of 30 faculty and
35 full time staff. The department has an undergraduate program in Agricultural Science with 98 undergraduate and approximately 40graduate students. Applications must be submitted online atwww.jobs.msstate.edu (PARF 509999)

Salary Grade : UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications andnominations for the position of Head of the Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection. This is a full-timeadministrative role offering a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and scientifically diverse department committed to excellence in research, Extension, and teaching within the Land-Grant mission.

The department encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plantpathology, and weed science with a current total of 30 faculty and
35 full time staff. The department has an undergraduate program in Agricultural Science with 98 undergraduate and approximately 40graduate students.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

July 1, 2026.

Tenure Track Status:

Yes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Directors of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and the MSU Extension Service (MSU-ES), the Department Head will:

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture

• Provide strategic leadership across research, Extension, and teaching missions

• Represent the department to internal and external stakeholders,including civic and professional organizations

• Manage budgets, personnel, and resources according to University policies to support departmental goals

• Promote interdisciplinary initiatives and extramural funding opportunities

• Support curriculum development and programmatic excellence

• Advocate for faculty and staff development and performance

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate in entomology, plant pathology, weed science,agronomy, or a closely related field

• Distinguished record of leadership in research, teaching, and/or Extension

• Eligibility for appointment as a tenured faculty with graduatefaculty status at MSU

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience navigating complex organizational structures and industry partnerships

• Demonstrated success in working with diverse constituencygroups

• Strategic vision aligned with the Land-Grant mission

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The Successful Head will provide:
1. A bold strategic vision for academic administration, research,Extension, and teaching.
2. Strong administrative skills
3. Academic leadership experience

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Limited physical effort required.
Vision requirements:
Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Applications must be submitted online s.msstate.edu.

Required materials include:
1. Curriculum vitae
2. Academic transcripts (SSN redacted prior to submission)
3. Cover letter detailing administrative philosophy and vision forthe department
4. Five professional references (name, address, phone, email)

Join us in shaping the future of agricultural science and plantprotection. We look forward to welcoming a leader who will inspireinnovation, collaboration, and impact across Mississippi andbeyond.

Supplemental information may be submitted to:
Dr.…