North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) in its search for Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. For full consideration, please apply by June 27, 2025. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader in agriculture and environmental sciences to shape the future of the field for decades to come. N.C. A&T seeks a bold thinker who sees the future of agriculture, animal science, landscape agriculture, environmental systems, food and nutrition science, family and consumer sciences, agricultural education and agribusiness/ag-economics decades ahead and is ready to drive forward-looking research, teaching, community engagement and partnerships to shape that future. With solid funding and the full backing of a visionary Chancellor and Provost, this role offers the resources and institutional commitment to drive truly transformative work. The next Dean will be prepared to amplify their impact, launch fundable, local and world-changing ideas, and leave a legacy in the future of agriculture and environmental sciences as well as their career.
CAES is the largest agricultural and environmental sciences college at any historically Black college or university (HBCU), an academic and research enterprise central to the overall success of America's largest HBCU. N.C. A&T is a strong and growing doctoral, research university currently designated "R2 / high-research activity" in the Carnegie Classification for Institutions of Higher Education. As of May 2025, the college will graduate its first cohort of doctoral students. Its growth and development have charted a course to attain the "R1 / Very High Research Activity" designation - one of several exciting institutional goals that N.C. A&T is pursuing. Building on this momentum, N.C. A&T welcomed this summer James Martin II as Chancellor, accepted an historic $20 million donation ,and established the first Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence in the state of North Carolina.
The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (the College) is a shining example of instructional excellence and impactful research, a major driver of the university's success since its inception in 1891. N.C. A&T is at a pivotal moment in its evolution. As one of only two land-grant universities in North Carolina, its prolific research output and transformative economic impact of $2.4 Billion on the state have garnered significant attention. Further, the state legislature and governor continue to prioritize support for the institution. The next Dean will be closely aligned with the university's research output and economic impact showing evidence of their ability to transform and lead within an R1 environment.
As chief executive officer for the College, the Dean provides exemplary leadership toward realizing the goals of the university's strategic plan, Preeminence 2030: North Carolina A&T Blueprint . The Dean should have deep knowledge and understanding of the history and role of 1890 land-grant universities and a proven commitment to interdisciplinary, cross-college collaboration to advance research expansion. The Dean reports to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and is a member of the Deans' Council.
The Dean provides support and leadership to facilitate innovative solutions to technical, human and organizational challenges while leveraging strategically valuable opportunities and practicing effective change management. The Dean advances strategies to shape the future of the College, with a particular focus on catalyzing collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships and inspiring a team of talented faculty, staff and students. The dean is responsible for recruiting and retaining highly talented faculty and staff, growing enrollment and supporting student success. The Dean also focuses on developing strong alumni relationships and external partnerships in support of fundraising activities.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated administrative ability and possess an understanding of the philosophy and mission of a land-grant university. In addition, the successful candidate will have demonstrated budgeting, public relations, development and personnel management experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Administrative The position requires operational and strategic leadership applied to technical, human and conceptual challenges and opportunities. The Dean will supervise college assessments and action plans, as well as work collaboratively with others in implementing and updating the long-range vision and 2030 strategic plan implementation for the College. The Dean will also engage in day-to-day administrative activities, as necessary.
Financial Management The Dean will manage budgets and oversee revenue from various sources, track expenditures, analyze current spending, monitor ROI and submit strategic budget requests aligned with the 2030 strategic plan. The Dean will work closely with local, regional and national business leaders and collaboratively with the University's Division of Advancement, to build a substantial endowment to fund new initiatives and enhance the College's future.
Leadership The Dean must lead by example and ensure a strong leadership team comprising associate deans, department chairs and selected staff and administrators who also supervise multiple employees across the college. This position requires understanding of change management and the sociotechnical requirements and human relations associated with change management. This position requires using networks and influence to guide others during change and to do so with authority and integrity. The Dean must ensure highly qualified faculty and staff are recruited, hired, retained, upskilled and provided with opportunities for growth and promotion as appropriate. The Dean will be responsible for continuing to advance and strengthen innovative and accessible degree programs; foster excellence in research, teaching and engagement; promote local, regional, national and global visibility; advance innovation and entrepreneurship strategies; and increase the College's financial resources.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Ph.D. in agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Evidence of formal leadership development.
- Qualifications appropriate for an appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
- A minimum of three years of senior leadership experience in addition to academic service, and knowledge and understanding of an institution with a land grant mission.
- Experience as a chief officer (director, dean, associate dean, department chair/head, or similarly ranked senior management role.
- Evidence working across disciplines outside of agriculture and environmental sciences.
- Evidence working with agricultural extension.
- Experience and knowledge of holistic student success, including academic and career development.
- Demonstrated success with extramural funding and facilitating high-quality education and curriculum design.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent budget management skills.
- Successful record of fundraising.
- A strong record of effective organization and administration skills with demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member.
- A commitment to student learning and promoting a culture that values diversity.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - A minimum of five years of academic leadership and administrative experience.
- PhD in agriculture and environmental sciences or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Strong record as a visionary, dynamic and collaborative leader.
- Evidence of ability to position the University's assets and capabilities to advance the College, expand research, including competitive, extramural research, and elevate student success using an evidence-based, data-informed approach.
- A successful candidate for this position will demonstrate skills and knowledge related to partnering with University Advancement.
Additionally, successful candidates will also possess many of the following qualifications: - Demonstrated excellence in leadership within the context of change.
- Understanding of active approaches to recruit, promote and retain high quality faculty and staff.
- Experience working with accreditation and innovative and inclusive curriculum design.
About the Institution Located in Greensboro, N.C. A&T is one of 17 institutions of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System and is an 1890 land-grant doctoral research institution with national distinction in STEM education and research. The university is committed to fulfilling its fundamental purposes through exemplary undergraduate and graduate education, scholarly and creative research and effective community engagement. The mission of N.C. A&T is to prepare students to advance the human condition and facilitate economic growth in North Carolina and beyond by providing a preeminent and diverse educational experience through teaching, research, and scholarly application of knowledge.
N.C. A&T ranks third in the UNC System in external research and sponsored program awards . click apply for full job details