N.C. A&T - Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University – Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) in its search for Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. For full consideration, please apply by June 27, 2025.

This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader in agriculture and environmental sciences to shape the future of the field for decades to come. N.C. A&T seeks a bold thinker who sees the future of agriculture, animal science, landscape agriculture, environmental systems, food and nutrition science, family and consumer sciences, agricultural education and agribusiness/ag-economics decades ahead and is ready to drive forward‑looking research, teaching, community engagement and partnerships to shape that future.

With solid funding and the full backing of a visionary Chancellor and Provost, this role offers the resources and institutional commitment to drive truly transformative work. The next Dean will be prepared to amplify their impact, launch fundable, local and world‑changing ideas, and leave a legacy in the future of agriculture and environmental sciences as well as their career.

CAES is the largest agricultural and environmental sciences college at any historically Black college or university (HBCU), an academic and research enterprise central to the overall success of America’s largest HBCU. N.C. A&T is a strong and growing doctoral, research university currently designated “R2 / high‑research activity” in the Carnegie Classification for Institutions of Higher Education. As of May 2025, the college will graduate its first cohort of doctoral students.

Its growth and development have charted a course to attain the “R1 / Very High Research Activity” designation – one of several exciting institutional goals that N.C. A&T is pursuing. Building on this momentum, N.C. A&T recently welcomed James Martin II as Chancellor, accepted an historic $20 million donation, and established the first Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence in the state of North Carolina.

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (the College) is a shining example of instructional excellence and impactful research, a major driver of the university’s success since its inception in 1891. N.C. A&T is at a pivotal moment in its evolution. As one of only two land‑grant universities in North Carolina, its prolific research output and transformative economic impact of $2.4 Billion on the state have garnered significant attention.

Further, the state legislature and governor continue to prioritize support for the institution. The next Dean will be closely aligned with the university’s research output and economic impact showing evidence of their ability to transform and lead within an R1 environment.

As chief executive officer for the College, the Dean provides exemplary leadership toward realizing the goals of the university’s strategic plan, Preeminence 2030:
North Carolina A&T Blueprint. The Dean should have deep knowledge and understanding of the history and role of 1890 land‑grant universities and a proven commitment to interdisciplinary, cross‑college collaboration to advance research expansion. The Dean reports to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and is a member of the Deans’ Council.

The Dean provides support and leadership to facilitate innovative solutions to technical, human and organizational challenges while leveraging strategically valuable opportunities and practicing effective change management. The Dean advances strategies to shape the future of the College, with a particular focus on catalyzing collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships and inspiring a team of talented faculty, staff and students. The dean is responsible for recruiting and retaining highly talented faculty and staff, growing enrollment and supporting student success.

The Dean also focuses on developing strong alumni relationships and external partnerships in support of fundraising activities.

The successful candidate…