Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) seeks applications and nominations for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science. This is a 12-month, tenured position. We seek a dynamic and visionary leader who will foster excellence in teaching, research, and Extension programs. The department head is responsible for executing a department-developed strategic vision for the department to support UTIA's Land Grant mission of advancing agriculture and natural resources through research, education, and service.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Department Head's responsibilities include leadership of all departmental programs and administrative responsibility for planning, fiscal management, human resources, and facilities. The Department Head reports to the Deans of AgResearch, UT Extension, and the Herbert College of Agriculture, working with their offices to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. The Head also maintains a working relationship with the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. The Head guides the Department in its mission to deliver nationally and internationally recognized programs in teaching, research, and Extension. The Head helps articulate and promote the Department's vision to provide high quality, relevant education and training for undergraduate and graduate students that encompasses the vision of the University of Tennessee - a world enriched by our ideas, improved through action, and inspired by the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership - thus positioning students to take their places as academic and industry leaders in the state of Tennessee and the world.

The Department Head will serve as the chief executive officer of the department and will be responsible for providing dynamic, visionary leadership in the following key areas:
• Strategic Leadership: Recognize the importance of all three facets of the land grant mission as well as 4H and youth livestock programs. Provide direction for the department's teaching, research, and Extension missions, ensuring alignment with institute, and university goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni, industry partners, advisory groups, and external constituencies to establish priorities and guide departmental growth.
• Faculty and Staff Development: Recruit, support, and evaluate a diverse team of faculty and staff; lead efforts in performance management, retention, and professional development. Implement and oversee a structured faculty mentoring program for tenure-track faculty, ensuring long-term support for successful advancement.
• Student Success: Oversee student recruitment, advising, and support efforts to enhance enrollment, retention, and student achievement within the department's disciplines.
• Academic Program Quality: Ensure the health, accreditation, and continuous improvement of academic programs, maintaining high standards for teaching and learning outcomes.
• Resource Management: Effectively manage departmental budgets, human resources, and facilities; identify and cultivate external funding and sponsored opportunities to support program growth.
• Visibility and Advocacy: Enhance the visibility of departmental programs through the promotion of faculty achievements and advocacy efforts at the institute, university, state, and national levels.
• Faculty Mentorship: Implement and oversee a structured faculty mentoring program for tenure-track faculty, ensuring long-term support for successful advancement.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation is competitive and will be based on experience and qualifications. The University of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, including health and dental insurance, life insurance and multiple retirement plans. Additional information can be found at https://tennessee.edu/about/divisions/finance-admin/hr/payroll-benefits-retirement/.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS The successful candidate must:
• Qualify for the rank of Professor in the Department of Animal Science with an earned PhD in Animal, Dairy or Poultry Science or a closely related field and a distinguished record of scholarly achievement.
• Be able to provide visionary leadership for Extension, research, and teaching programs.
• Have demonstrated experience working within a land-grant university system, while also having an understanding and interest in the Land Grant philosophy.
• Skills in effective management of personnel and a desire to encourage productive teamwork
• Possess strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Have a strong commitment to development of faculty, staff, and students and a proven ability to foster collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
• Demonstrate administrative and leadership experience, including supervision of personnel, fiscal management, and strategic planning.
• Articulate strategic vision and long-term goals for the Department.
• Experience in and a willingness to engage in assessing priorities, strategic planning and implementation, and adaptability to change in a multidisciplinary environment.

Application Instructions

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

The Search Committee will review and continue to receive applications until an appointment is made. Nominations of qualified individuals are sought and should be sent via electronic means to Dr. Gary Bates ([redacted]), the Chair of the Search Committee.

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 9, 2026. Applications should include: (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications and vision of departmental leadership; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; and (3) names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least five professional references that the Search Committee may contact. Application materials should be submitted via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/190168.