Fort Valley State University, a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology. The University seeks an academic leader with proven experience in strategic planning and implementation and a commitment to student success, faculty development, and program innovation.
The Opportunity
Fort Valley State University (FVSU), located in Central Georgia, is the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia. The historically black university (HBCU) is a comprehensive institution and a leader in agriculture research. Beyond the classroom, the College provides valuable extension services and programs to citizens and businesses throughout the state.
The Dean of the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology (Dean) is part of the academic team dedicated to supporting FVSU’s mission of meeting the higher education needs of the state, region, and nation through innovative teaching, and applied research. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Provost), the Dean works closely with the Deans’ Council and the President’s Cabinet to assist in the management of the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology.
The Dean guides the direction of the College through strategic planning and leadership.
Primary responsibilities:
- Serves as a liaison between the College and the Office of Academic Affairs.
- Works closely with the other college deans and the Provost to formulate and implement the academic objectives of the College within the context of the mission and objectives of the University.
- Leads the administration, development, and direction of the academic programs, strategic planning, fundraising, facility development, as well as the Research Program budget inclusive of the Research Station and Farms, and the Cooperative Extension Program.
- Evaluates the work of faculty members within the College.
- Provides written recommendations concerning the retention, promotion, and tenure of faculty members to the Provost.
- Prepares an annual report on the progress toward the objectives of the College and the University, including recommendations related to funding and future needs.
- Serves as a local and state leader in public policy issues related to water, nutrition, and food, and agricultural and natural resources.
Qualifications
Candidate must have an earned doctorate from a regionally accredited university with a degree in a discipline represented within the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology. Distinguished scholarly credentials and stature appropriate for the rank of Professor in a department in the College are required.
Other requirements include:
- Knowledge and experience of the roles and responsibilities of a dean at a land-grant institution
- Participatory management and leadership style that encourages and values input from others
- Knowledgeable, or the ability to become knowledgeable, of the requirements of academic programs beyond those in the College
- Proven academic leadership, administrative ability, and experience
- Experience in budget, planning, personnel, and student matters
- Ability to lead teams to achieve established goals
- Commitment to high standards in education, research, and outreach
- Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with on- and off-campus constituencies
- Experience in program reviews, assessment, and specialized accreditation
- An established record demonstrating the recruitment and retention of high-quality faculty and staff
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with a high level of competency related to various technologies (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, BANNER, etc.) utilized in an academic setting
College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology
The College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology (CAFST) serves 618 undergraduate and graduate students across four departments: Agricultural Sciences; Engineering Technology; Family and Consumer Sciences; and Veterinary Science and Public Health. The College also provides career enhancement through graduate programs in Animal Science, Biotechnology, and Public Health.
The College has 33 faculty members and 216 staff, which includes academic staff – 21; research staff – 29; extension staff – 54; and Head Start/Early Head Start – 112.
Fort Valley State University is the only public institution in Georgia that offers a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology, the development of products from living organisms, their components, or systems. While biotechnology often is applied to develop agricultural advancements, food, and medicine, FVSU master’s degree candidates can specialize in plant biotechnology, animal biotechnology, and applied biotechnology.
Widely recognized for the quality of its undergraduate education, research, and outreach programs, the College is ranked 6th nationally in graduating African American students in agriculture disciplines. It also has been a leader in placing first-time applicants into medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools and colleges since 2001.
Utilizing state-of-the-art, well-equipped laboratories in the state, the faculty are securing external grant funds and conducting cutting-edge research. Faculty conduct research in five primary areas: Agricultural Economics, Bioenergy and Climate Change, Food Safety, Small Ruminants, and Specialty Plant Biotechnology. Students work with the scientists in these laboratories, which contributes to their success of being accepted to professional and graduate schools.
Several programs in the College hold nationally accreditation: the Electronic Engineering Technology Program – ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology); Family and Consumer Sciences Program – AAFCS (American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences); Veterinary Technology Program – AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association); Agricultural Education Program – NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education); Master of Public Health – EHAC (National Environmental Health Science & Protection Accreditation Council).
Fort Valley State University has more than 2,700 students representing 127 of Georgia’s 159 counties, 20 states, and 14 countries. Ninety-two percent of the student body is African American. Sixty percent of the students live on campus, and 80 percent attend college full-time.
The diverse faculty, with 116 full-time members, provides a supportive, yet challenging learning environment that encourages innovation and inspires lifelong learning and the realization of aspirations. Students benefit from strong mentoring by accessible professors. The close-knit campus community encourages personal and academic growth and establishing lifelong ties that extend well beyond graduation.
The University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in almost 40 fields of study at its Fort Valley Campus and Warner Robins Center, which is designed for graduate students. Four undergraduate programs – Criminal Justice, Organizational Leadership, Political Science, and Psychology – and one graduate program – Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling – are offered online.
Fort Valley, Georgia, is a progressive city, with an estimated population of 9,935. The county seat of Peach County, the city has quiet tree-lined streets and dozens of beautiful historical homes. Approximately 90 minutes south of Atlanta on I-75, Fort Valley is only three hours west of the Atlantic coastline. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is an hour and a half away.
Application and Nomination Process – Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.
To Apply – Applications must include: 1) A letter of interest, 2) A current resume or curriculum vitae, and 3) At least three references with full contact and e-mail information (References will not be contacted without the applicant’s consent.)
Submit application to FVSU-CAFST@myersmcrae.com by October 1, 2018, for best consideration. The search remains open until the position is filled.
Submit nominations to FVSU-CAFST-Nominate@myersmcrae.com with individual’s full contact and e-mail information.
Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Jennifer Barfield, Senior Vice President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, are assisting FVSU with this search.
Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or marital or veteran status.