Dean College of Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences

Position Overview

The University of Arizona (U of A; https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES). This is a pivotal opportunity for a visionary and strategic leader to guide one of the nation’s leading and most innovative agriculture, life, and environmental sciences colleges into its next era of excellence and impact.

CALES is the heart of the University’s land‑grant mission, integrating research, teaching, and statewide engagement across agriculture, natural resources, animal sciences, human ecology, biosciences, and environmental sciences. With more than 4,100 students, 327 faculty, and 800 staff across 10 academic units, CALES spans five schools and five departments, managing over $98 million in annual research activity. Its reach includes Cooperative Extension, the Arizona Experiment Station, and statewide networks that deliver science‑based solutions to strengthen communities, economies, and ecosystems.

• Provide bold, future‑focused leadership to position CALES as a next‑generation land‑grant college deeply connected to communities statewide, nationally, and internationally.
• Articulate a compelling vision that inspires faculty, staff, students, and partners to new levels of academic excellence and public value.
• Modernize curricula to enhance student success.
• Advance interdisciplinary research.
• Champion Cooperative Extension as a cornerstone of statewide impact.
• Implement the Academic Success Goals through intentional engagement with each department and school within the college.
• Collaborate with deans, senior leaders, and the Provost to set a transformative standard for student success.
• Serve as the public face of CALES, forging partnerships with industry, government, alumni, tribal communities, and other stakeholders, and driving resource development through fundraising and advocacy.
• Maintain a strong statewide presence, engaging regularly across county offices, tribal nations, and experiment stations to strengthen relationships and understand local needs.
• Possess strategic vision, strong financial acumen, administrative and organizational leadership experience, and the ability to unify the college around shared purpose and innovation.

• Doctoral degree.
• Distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research, and service.
• Tenured faculty appointment within the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences at the rank of full professor.
• Alignment with the University of Arizona’s land‑grant mission and commitment to serving the people of Arizona through teaching, research, extension, and community engagement.

Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at  Professional references are not requested at this time.

Candidate materials should be received by February 16, 2026.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to:
Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington, and Jess Cummings at

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action (qualified veterans/people with disabilities) institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its programs and activities. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance.

As required by Title IX, the University of Arizona does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education, Assistant Secretary, or both.