Dean, Hutson School of Agriculture

Posting Number:
20230043FAC
Job Title:
Dean, Hutson School of Agriculture
Type of Employment:
Regular Full-Time
Work Location:
Murray, KY
Employment Term:
12 Months
Position Type:
Faculty (Tenure-Track)
Department:
VP for Academic Affairs
Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Murray State University (MSU) is seeking the next Dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture (HSOA). The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the HSOA, with responsibility for leading the academic, research, and outreach missions of the School and the management of its resources, including faculty and staff, physical facilities, and budget. The Dean will oversee the HSOA's educational, outreach, and research programs that address the needs of its constituents and provide quality educational programs, innovative hands-on practical research, and impactful service and engagement.

The Breathitt Veterinary CenterThe Breathitt Veterinary Center, part of Murray State's Hutson School of Agriculture, is a nationally preeminent Level 1 animal disease diagnostic laboratory dedicated to protecting the invaluable assets of the region's equine, livestock and poultry industries by providing the fastest, most accurate and most dependable animal disease diagnostic services possible. The center offers a broad range of tests for diagnostic services primarily to the livestock, poultry and equine industries of Kentucky and bordering states of Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois and Indiana. The center also provides valuable educational and experiential learning opportunities for Murray State students who are pursuing degrees through the Hutson School of Agriculture.

The Rudolph Equine Education CenterThe Equine Instructional Facility, located at the Equine Center, opened its doors on October 31, 1998, and houses the Murray State Equine Science departmental offices, a riding preparation area, two tack rooms, a round pen, indoor arena and a classroom. In 2013, an additional classroom, offices, and meeting areas were created to house the growing program. The University's Equine Program allows students both traditional classroom learning experiences as well as hands-on opportunities in the areas of equine health care and business management, reproduction, exercise physiology, nutrition, and an equine chiropractic specialty option. In addition, there are opportunities for students to be involved with the Intercollegiate Horse Show teams, both hunt seat and stock seat, the Rodeo Team and the Dressage Club. All teams are involved in various competitions throughout the academic year.

The Center for Agricultural HempIn 2014, the Hutson School of Agriculture planted the first legal agricultural hemp research plot in the state of Kentucky. The university was cited by Congressman James Comer as the first university in the nation to participate in the hemp pilot program. Since, then our interest and research into hemp has only grown. In 2019, Murray State University established the Center for Agricultural hemp, which is held in partnership with several Foundational and Sponsoring Partners. The center is administered through the Hutson School of Agriculture and allows the university to provide opportunities for research, education, policy, and innovation within the hemp industry to our students and agribusinesses. The Murray State Center for Agricultural Hemp is a national leader in agricultural hemp development cementing its position in the forefront as a leader in research, education, policy and innovation within the hemp industry.
The Dean is a member of the Council of Deans and reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the HSOA. Responsibilities include:

• Serving as a key leader and spokesperson for the School's endeavors in agriculture regionally, statewide and nationally;
• Providing leadership in developing the vision and strategic planning activities associated with the growth and development of the School;
• Providing leadership in sustaining and seeking additional resources from revenue generating programs and advancement efforts in coordination with external stakeholders;
• Recruiting and retaining a diverse and excellent faculty and staff committed to positively impacting student performance;
• Leading faculty to develop and improve high-quality academic programs, research initiatives, and outreach and service endeavors;
• Representing the HSOA to the campus and University administration, state agencies, national legislative committees, agricultural organizations such as the Kentucky Agricultural Council, alumni, media, constituent groups, and the general public;
• Managing the HSOA's resources and personnel including faculty, staff, physical facilities and budget, including allocating resources to facilitate the successful recruitment and retention of students;
• Expanding relationships with key stakeholder groups including agricultural industries, public agencies, and professional associations;
• Partnering with MSU's academic deans and university leadership in coordinating activities to achieve the University's strategic goals.

Minimum Education Requirements:
Candidates for the position will possess an earned doctorate from an accredited institution and an outstanding record of scholarly achievement commensurate with an appointment as full professor with tenure in the School.
Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements:
Successful candidates will exhibit:

• Strong interpersonal skills and at least three years of prior successful administrative experience as a dean, assistant dean, department chair or equivalent administrative/leadership service;
• A demonstrated ability for leadership and management, including excellent organizational, strategic planning, supervisory, and problem-solving skills;
• The ability to develop new and existing relationships between the HSOA and key stakeholders to inspire excitement and advance its fundraising efforts;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with constituencies both internal and external to the University; an effective communicator with a high level of integrity and emotional intelligence;
• Knowledge and understanding of budgeting, financial controls, fiscal interests and issues;
• A proven track record of engaging external stakeholders in addressing complex issues impacting the agricultural community; experience building partnerships, trust, and confidence within these stakeholder groups;
• The ability to work with faculty to develop a programmatic vision for the future in an environment of shared governance;
• The ability to function well as part of the campus leadership team in leading the School;
• The skills and the capacity to bring individuals and groups with diverse views to consensus and common action;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to build and enhance relationships with the staff, community and various constituent groups;
• A high level of integrity and ethics;
• The ability to lead by example and hold themselves and others to a high standard;
• Knowledge of government policy, advocacy organizations, and legislative processes that influence and affect agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sciences.

Posting Date:
01/30/2023
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Along with the application, the following items must be included:

• Letter of application explaining how the candidate meets the qualifications specified in this announcement
• Curriculum Vitae

For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by March 2, 2023. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.