Dean College of Agriculture Environmental Science

Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Science

The University of Arizona 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.

The next dean will provide bold, future-focused leadership to position CALES as a next-generation land-grant college that is deeply connected to communities statewide, nationally, and internationally. Key priorities include articulating a compelling vision that inspires faculty, staff, students, and partners; modernizing curricula to enhance student success; advancing interdisciplinary research; and championing Cooperative Extension as a cornerstone of statewide impact.

• Articulate and Advance a Compelling Vision for CALES – Define and communicate a bold, forward-looking vision that positions CALES as a next-generation land-grant college.
• Shape Innovative Programs and Enhance Student Success – Partner with faculty and staff to create innovative programs, expand experiential learning, and refocus academic offerings to meet evolving workforce, industry, and community needs.
• Champion the Land-Grant Mission and Elevate Cooperative Extension – Strengthen integration of research, teaching, and extension across Cooperative Extension programs statewide.
• Generate New Resources and Serve as a Spokesperson for CALES – Build relationships with legislators, industry leaders, alumni, and community partners to secure transformative philanthropic investments.
• Recruit, Develop, and Retain Exceptional Faculty, Staff, and Leaders – Advocate for competitive salaries, support faculty and staff success, and foster a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Advance CALES’ Financial Health and Capacity – Oversee a complex financial landscape, secure resources, and pursue creative strategies for philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, and grant funding.

• Vision and Strategic Planning
• Management
• Exemplary Communication
• Conflict Management
• Collaboration and Partnership
• Shared Governance
• Leadership
• Financial Acumen
• Fundraising and External Engagement

• A doctoral degree and a distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service are required for a tenured faculty appointment within CALES at the rank of full professor.
• Proven record as an academic leader – such as department head, associate dean, institute director, or other senior administration – with experience fostering collaboration and empowering teams.
• Experience managing complex budgets with transparency and strategic foresight.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strong external partnerships, expand donor bases, and secure significant philanthropic support.

Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington, and Jess Cummings

University of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.