Dean College of Agriculture Environmental Science

Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Science

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. In alignment with the University's strategic imperatives, key priorities for the next dean include articulating a compelling vision that inspires faculty, staff, students, and partners to new levels of academic excellence and public value; modernizing curricula to enhance student success;

advancing interdisciplinary research; and championing Cooperative Extension as a cornerstone of statewide impact.

This includes implementing the Academic Success Goals through intentional engagement with each department and school within the college, while cultivating cross-functional collaboration with deans, senior leaders, and the Provost to set a transformative standard for student success. The dean reports to the provost and chief academic officer and oversees a $145 million budget. This leader will serve as the public face of CALES, forging partnerships with industry, government, alumni, tribal communities, and other community stakeholders, and driving resource development through fundraising and advocacy.

The role also requires a strong statewide presence, with regular engagement across county offices, tribal nations, and experiment stations to strengthen relationships and understand local needs firsthand.

Success will require strategic vision, strong financial acumen, administrative and organizational leadership experience, and the ability to unify the college around shared purpose and innovation. The ideal candidate will embody the University of Arizona's land-grant mission and commitment to serving the people of Arizona through teaching, research, extension, and community engagement.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities
- Essential Duties:
The next dean of the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences will provide visionary leadership for a college that is central to the University of Arizona's land-grant mission and deeply connected to communities across the state. This is more than a chance to steward a strong legacy – it is an opportunity to lead boldly and define the next era of agricultural, environmental, and life sciences education at a flagship institution in the Southwest, where science in arid environments, applied economics, sustainability, and health and well-being inform solutions for a future worldwide.

Working closely with the provost, senior university leadership, and a broad array of stakeholders, the next dean will engage with the following opportunities and challenges:

Articulate and Advance a Compelling Vision for CALES

Shape Innovative Programs and Enhance Student Success

Champion the Land-Grant Mission and Elevate Cooperative Extension

Generate New Resources and Serve as a Spokesperson for CALES

Recruit, Develop, and Retain Exceptional Faculty, Staff, and Leaders

Advance CALES' Financial Health and Capacity

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Vision and Strategic Planning Management Exemplary Communication Conflict Management Collaboration and Partnership Shared Governance Leadership Financial Acumen Fundraising and External Engagement

Minimum Qualifications - A doctoral degree and a distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service are required for a tenured faculty appointment within the College of…