Dean, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), one of the top public research institutions in the world, seeks a visionary leader, exceptional administrator, and highly respected scholar to serve as the next Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (“the College” or “CA&ES”).

The College is dedicated to solving real-world problems in the agricultural, environmental, and human sciences to produce a better world, healthier lives, and an improved standard of living for everyone. Distinguished by the depth of its land-grant mission and global reach, the College is at the forefront of research, teaching, and public service addressing the greatest challenges to humans and the environment. The next Dean will have an unparalleled opportunity to impact the future of agriculture and the environment across the world.

A leader in both fundamental and applied research, the College is ranked first in the U.S. and second in the world for agricultural sciences and forestry; first in the world for plant and animal sciences; first in the world for agricultural economics and policy research; and in the top 10 in agronomy, biodiversity education, ecology, entomology, environmental sciences, horticulture, human development, nutrition, soil science, and toxicology. CA&ES regularly engages with industry leaders and regulators on issues related to state and national policy, and it partners with Cooperative Extension personnel to serve statewide citizens and stakeholders.

The Dean will join CA&ES at a time of extraordinary opportunity for translating its research into public impact. Issues at the heart of the College’s portfolio—water use, climate change, air quality, and the need for sustainable food systems, equitable communities, and ecosystem viability—are key to the fate of humanity and our planet. With the highest caliber faculty, staff, and students, the history and resources of the University of California system, and a distinctive position among those working on agricultural and environmental research globally, there is no better place than UC Davis to address these challenges. The Dean will be an experienced and collaborative leader, prepared, and excited to direct this work.

To be successful, the Dean will address the following opportunities and challenges:

• Drive an ambitious vision that enables excellence, innovation, and meaningful public impact as a global leader in agricultural, environmental, and societal research
• Effectively engage external stakeholders to ensure the support necessary to fully achieve the College’s aspirations
• Catalyze ongoing development of a distinctive and vital research and teaching enterprise
• Sustain and grow the College’s physical, financial, and human resources
• Ensure high-quality, inclusive learning environments to support the success of a diverse student population and meet the challenges of a changing world

 
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below. 

Complete applications will include a resume, cover letter, and a Statement of Contributions to Diversity. In the Statement of Contributions to Diversity, applicants should describe their past and/or potential future contributions to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which is a key requirement of the role of every faculty member and administrator at UC Davis. Complete electronic submission of materials is required.

David Bellshaw is leading this search with Joe Kralick, Aku Ammah-Tagoe, and Salem Adisu.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.