Plant Pathology Department Chair and Faculty Appointment Regular or Extension Title Series

Plant Pathology Department Chair and Faculty Appointment

Location: Lexington, KY

Position Type: Faculty

Time Status: Full‑Time

Tenure Track: Tenure‑Track

Requisition Number: FE04495

Working Title: Plant Pathology Department Chair

Department: 81120:
Plant Pathology

Position title requires a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline appropriate for a Professor rank in the research or extension title series.

The Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, seeks a dynamic and visionary department chair of the Department of Plant Pathology (). As a land‑grant university, we value a demonstrated commitment to integrating research, instruction, and Extension programs, as well as a keen dedication to the needs of the people of the Commonwealth.

The CAFE is home to 14 academic departments and over 2,000 undergraduates, and it maintains research facilities at multiple locations across Kentucky.

The successful candidate will have an earned Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline appropriate for a Professor rank. The candidate must demonstrate national/international recognition of excellence in instruction, research, and/or extension. Leadership in developing departmental programs, stimulating extramural funding, and fiscal management are anticipated. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, commitment to enhancing belonging among students, faculty, and staff, and leadership in research, instruction, extension, and service are essential.

• Academic leadership, including faculty and staff hiring, performance reviews, pre‑tenure reviews, dossier preparation, curriculum development, faculty mentorship, program reviews, accreditation, and reporting to the U.S. Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
• Representation of the department in professional forums such as the Academic Unit Leaders Forum (AULF), the American Phytopathological Society, and the NCAC
  14 Multistate Research Coordinating Committee.
• Development and oversight of departmental strategic planning.
• Fiscal analysis and strategic financial management, accountability to funding sources, and compliance with business procedures.
• Communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding plant disease information.
• Development and promotion of collaborative relationships with Extension Specialists, County Agents, commodity groups, and other stakeholders.
• Leadership in grant development, funding, and philanthropic efforts.
• Infusion of innovative entrepreneurial activities across mission areas.
• Leadership in improving the delivery of instructional mission, including developing new undergraduate and graduate curricula with online and in‑person courses.
• Compliance with university governing and administrative regulations.
• Build and maintain a departmental culture that strives to increase belonging and collegiality among all community members.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline.
• National or international recognition of excellence in instruction, research, and/or extension.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing departmental programs, securing extramural funding, philanthropic investment, and fiscal management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Commitment to enhancing belonging among students, faculty, and staff.

• Cover Letter (max 4 pages) with a statement of strategic vision, administrative experience, leadership philosophy, and references. Include contact information for at least three professional references.
• Curriculum Vitae (no page limit) listing publications, grants, teaching, extension, and service.
• Statement on research (max 1 page).
• Statement on teaching/instruction (max 1 page).
• Statement on extension (max 1 page).

Review of applicants will begin May 1 2025, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Contact Dr. S Reddy Palli (rpalli) with any questions.

The…