Department Head - Animal Sciences & Industry

About This Role

The Department Head provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. This position advances the department’s mission within Kansas State University as a land‑grant institution, supporting excellence in teaching, research, and extension. The Department Head works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, industry partners, and university leadership to strengthen programs, expand impact, and position the department for future success.

The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is a large, comprehensive academic unit with national reach and impact. The department serves more than 1,200 undergraduate and nearly 60 graduate students, with strong placement outcomes exceeding 95% employment or continued education after graduation. Supported by approximately 50 faculty members, the department integrates teaching, research, and extension to address critical needs in animal agriculture and food systems.

Academic programs span multiple undergraduate options and specialized certificates, covering disciplines such as animal health, nutrition, breeding and genetics, physiology, dairy product processing, and meat science. The department’s extensive facilities include numerous species‑specific teaching and research units—beef, dairy, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, and equine—located near campus, as well as modern laboratories and food processing facilities that support applied learning and cutting‑edge research.

Together, this breadth of programs, people, and infrastructure positions the department as a leader in preparing students and advancing science to support a safe, efficient, and innovative animal and food production system.

As part of Kansas State University, a comprehensive R1, land‑grant institution, the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is devoted to excellence in teaching, research, extension, and engagement. The Department is fully committed to advancing the University’s land‑ mission and its vision to become a Next‑Generation Land‑Grant University.

As the nation’s first operational land‑grant university, K‑State has always put agriculture central to the student experience, research and application of knowledge. Throughout its history, the College of Agriculture has remained true to its land‑grant mission, serving Kansas, the United States and the world by providing top‑level agricultural, food and natural resources research, instruction and outreach to inform decisions and ensure safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food for all.

This position is On‑site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K‑State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate in animal sciences or a closely related field.
• Record of scholarly achievement consistent with appointment as a tenured full professor in the department.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, administration or program management.
• Evidence of success within a land‑grant or comparable allied industry environment.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to interdisciplinary programs or initiatives.
• Understanding of teaching, research, and extension roles in the land‑grant mission.
• Success in securing extramural funding or developing externally supported programs.
• Experience with budget management, personnel supervision and strategic planning.
• Established relationships or engagement with animal agriculture industries or stakeholder groups.
• Experience supporting student success initiatives, including recruitment, retention and career placement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents:

Applications close on:
August 7, 2026.

Commensurate with experience.