SUAREC Chancellor Search Committee

  

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

 

 

CHANCELLOR OF THE SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER AND DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

 

The Southern University System invites nominations and applications for the position of Chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and Dean of the College of Agriculture (SUAREC/CoA).  The Southern University System is an 1890 land-grant university committed to excellence in research, teaching, outreach, public engagement, and international programs. The University seeks a visionary leader dedicated to enhancing and strengthening the land grant mission and to further the University’s commitment to excellence.

As the chief executive and academic officer of the SUAREC and CoA, the Chancellor/Dean has the primary responsibility for strategic direction, faculty and staff development, budgetary oversight and planning, academic and curricular issues, fundraising, and facilities maintenance and development. The Chancellor/Dean oversees the University’s experiment stations and extension programs.

The Chancellor/Dean will be pivotal in strengthening the University as a national and international leader in areas related to crop and animal agriculture, consumer issues and trends, economic development, environment, and natural resources, human nutrition, food production and processing, human development and ecology, and sustainability, among other areas. S/he will provide leadership for building and enhancing key partnerships and collaborations with units across campus. The successful candidate will be a strong advocate and spokesperson for teaching, research, and extension both on campus and with external partners and stakeholders.

Founded in 2000, the SUAREC fulfills the mission of the University’s land-grant role to conduct statewide basic and applied research and to disseminate information to the citizens of Louisiana in a manner that is useful in addressing their scientific, technological, social, economic and cultural needs.  SUAREC's research-based educational information aim to help small-scale and limited resource farmers and ranchers to develop and maintain viable farming operations that are in harmony with the environment; help communities build capacity to enhance the growth and development of the business and industrial sectors, and improve the quality of life for families and youth throughout Louisiana. It is one of five campuses comprising the Historically Black Southern University and A&M College System. The SUAREC has approximately 120 full and part-time employees. SUAREC’s annual operating budget is approximately $7.8 million. The physical plant, with its headquarters at the Ashford O. Williams Hall on the SU Baton Rouge Campus, also includes the SUAREC Experiment Station in Alsen, LA and the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives (SCRI) – a satellite campus located in Opelousas, LA as well as units in 33 parishes. 

With an operating budget of approximately $2 million, the College of Agriculture encompasses three departments. The three departments are: Department of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources, and the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.  Within the Department of Agricultural Sciences, a Bachelor of Science degree is offered with concentrations in Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Plant and Soil Sciences, Agricultural Business, and Agricultural Economics.  Within the Department of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources, a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Forestry are offered. Within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, a Bachelor of Science degree is offered with concentrations in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles, Child Development, Dietetics, and Food Management.

The College of Agriculture has over 23 faculty and staff, and more than 260 undergraduate and 40 graduate students.

The College of Agriculture embraces a mission consistent with the University's tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service.  The academic program prepares students for professional careers in food, fiber, urban forestry, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and agricultural sciences using innovative strategies, up-to-date technologies, and current information. The program provides students with the fundamentals underlying their chosen disciplines, practical application and solutions to discipline-related problems, and opportunities to transfer knowledge to others in a variety of formal and informal settings.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should possess:

  • An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in food and agricultural sciences and/or closely related sciences
  • Senior level administrative experience, preferably in higher education
  • Outstanding scholarly credentials, including recognition as an accomplished academic leader;
  • A demonstrated commitment to research, teaching, and extension;
  • A demonstrated ability to attract, retain, and advance a diverse and superior faculty, student body, and staff;
  • Outstanding leadership and communication skills to effectively interact with stakeholders and be a strong advocate for Agriculture;
  • A thorough understanding of the financial issues facing an 1890 land-grant institution; and
  • The capacity to be a visionary and visible leader in the State of Louisiana and the nation on agricultural, consumer, and environmental issues.
  • Progressive and responsible experience in higher education administration, financial management, technological resources, program development, and/or related skills germane to the land grant mission
  • Experience in strategic planning, and effective human resource and budgetary management;
  • Demonstrated commitment to working with students, faculty, staff, alumni, governmental entities, business, and community partners
  • Broad knowledge of methods in developing and initiating agreements with varied entities and a background in successfully forming linkages with stakeholders to enhance and develop programs that respond to the community needs
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.

 

Salary Range

Negotiable.

 

Application Process

Interested persons should send a letter of application which details: (1) the applicant’s education, philosophy and experiences that are in line with stated qualifications; (2) discusses his/her abilities that have prepared him/her to serve the needs of the SU Agricultural Research and Extension Center, (3) evidence of experience in successful budget management, resource development, and financial management; and (4) ability to oversee and provide administrative oversight for diverse departments and units. Interested persons should submit a current curriculum vitae and at least three (3) references electronically only to suarecchancellor@sus.eduno later than July 8, 2016.