Dean College of Agriculture Environmental Science

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona (U of

A) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES). This is a pivotal opportunity for a visionary and strategic leader to guide one of the nation’s leading and most innovative agriculture, life, and environmental sciences colleges into its next era of excellence and impact.

The next dean will provide bold, future-focused leadership to position CALES as a next-generation land‑grant college that is deeply connected to communities statewide, nationally, and internationally. Key priorities include articulating a compelling vision that inspires faculty, staff, students, and partners; modernizing curricula to enhance student success; advancing interdisciplinary research; and championing Cooperative Extension as a cornerstone of statewide impact.

The dean reports to the provost and chief academic officer and oversees a $145 million budget. The role requires a strong statewide presence, with regular engagement across county offices, tribal nations, and experiment stations to strengthen relationships and understand local needs firsthand.

Essential Duties

• Articulate and advance a compelling vision for CALES, integrating cutting‑edge research, modernized curricula, and statewide engagement.
• Shape innovative programs and enhance student success, focusing on recruitment pathways for rural and agricultural communities and aligning degree programs with contemporary industry expectations.
• Champion the land‑grant mission and elevate Cooperative Extension, strengthening integration of research, teaching, and extension.
• Generate new resources and serve as a spokesperson for CALES, building relationships with legislators, industry leaders, alumni, and community partners to attract philanthropic support.
• Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional faculty, staff, and leaders, advocating for competitive salaries and mentorship programs.
• Advance CALES’ financial health and capacity, securing philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, and grant funding.

• Vision and strategic planning
• Management
• Exemplary communication
• Conflict management
• Collaboration and partnership
• Shared governance
• Leadership
• Financial acumen
• Fundraising and external engagement

• A doctoral degree and a distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service for a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of full professor.
• Proven record as an academic leader (e.g., department head, associate dean, institute director) with experience fostering collaboration and empowering teams.
• Experience managing complex budgets with transparency and strategic foresight.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strong external partnerships, expand donor bases, and secure significant philanthropic support.

Rank:
Professor
Tenure:
Tenured (T)
FLSA:
Exempt
Full Time:
Full Time
Hours per Week: 40
Job FTE: 1.0
Job Category:
Academic Administration
Benefits:
Yes – Full Benefits
Rate of Pay: DOE
Compensation Type:
Salary at 1.0 FTE
Criminal Background Check:
Fingerprint

Number of Vacancies : 1
Open Date: 12/22/2025
Open Until Filled:
Yes

Contact Information for Candidates

Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington, and Jess Cummings

Special Instructions to Applicant

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. Witt Kieffer is assisting the University of Arizona in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 16, 2026.

Nominations, Inquiries, and Application Materials Can Be Directed To

Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington, and Jess Cummings