Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; CAHNR

Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR)

Job Summary: The University of Connecticut seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Dean of its College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and Director of the Connecticut Cooperative Extension System and the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station. The Dean will provide strategic vision and operational leadership to all aspects of the academic and scholarly program, advance scholarship, promote research and outreach, and oversee undergraduate and graduate education.

Search #: 499315
Work type:
Full-time

Location:

Storrs Campus
Categories:
Executive

• Provide visionary leadership for CAHNR’s academic departments, research centers, and extension programs, advancing excellence in teaching, research, and outreach.
• Steward CAHNR’s financial, human, and physical resources effectively, ensuring alignment with university priorities and supporting long‑term growth.
• Recruit, retain, and support an outstanding and diverse faculty, staff, and student body, fostering a climate of respect, collaboration, and inclusivity.
• Strengthen student recruitment, retention, and graduation outcomes by building pathways from K‑12 and community colleges and ensuring high‑quality, innovative undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Elevate CAHNR’s national and global reputation by highlighting its distinct strengths in food systems, health, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
• Advance interdisciplinary initiatives with other UConn schools, colleges, and partners that address complex challenges in agriculture, health, and natural resources.
• Cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, industry, community organizations, and government agencies to support CAHNR’s mission and expand fundraising and partnership opportunities.
• Serve as a visible advocate for CAHNR within UConn and beyond, communicating the College’s contributions to the University’s land‑grant mission of education, research, and service to the state, nation, and world.

• Credentials that merit appointment at the rank of tenured Professor or a current appointment at UConn at the rank of Professor in one of CAHNR’s academic departments, including a doctoral degree or other terminal degree in a field relevant to leadership in academic affairs and the College.
• Progressively responsible leadership experience at a higher education institution, demonstrating knowledge of core management functions, strategic planning, and understanding of university policies, guidance, best practices, and procedures.
• Success in building and executing a strategic and fiscally‑sound academic budget.
• Solid track record in meeting a university mission with respect to enrollment, graduation, research, innovation, and fundraising.

• Background and experience pertinent to the wide‑ranging programs of CAHNR, including a clear understanding of the academic vision of the University, the land‑grant and sea‑grant missions, and the College’s opportunities to deliver quality education.
• Demonstrated capability to support research and extension at the student and faculty levels, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and secure extramural funding from state, federal, or foundation sources.
• Track record of nationally and globally recognized leadership in research and innovation, including membership in national academies.
• Proven ability to recruit, retain, and support highly desirable faculty and staff in a competitive environment.
• Experience as an agent of innovation and change, with the ability to imagine new possibilities for CAHNR and translate strategy into operational goals.
• Strong business and political acumen, sound judgment, and skills in conflict resolution, consensus building, and effective advocacy for resources and priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, including developing initiatives and applying best practices to foster a supportive climate for all.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop, engage, and maintain constructive relationships with senior…