The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is pleased to announce the launch of a national search for the next dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR).
The search represents an exciting opportunity to identify a visionary, collaborative leader who will build on CASNR’s longstanding excellence in teaching and learning while shaping the future of higher education in agriculture, natural resources, food systems, and related fields. The university seeks a dean who embraces innovation, fosters transdisciplinary collaboration, champions student success, entrepreneurship, and ensures graduates are prepared to lead in emerging industries and an increasingly dynamic global workforce.
Working in partnership with faculty, staff, students, alumni, Nebraska communities, employers, and industry and education leaders, the dean will advance a bold vision for a learner-centered, future-focused college that cultivates talent, expands opportunity, and develops the next generation of leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. The dean will help position CASNR as a national model for educational excellence by advancing innovative academic programs, strengthening pathways to student success, and creating transformative learning experiences that prepare graduates to address complex challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
The next dean will provide leadership for the college’s academic enterprise, with a focus on:
- Advancing innovative, future-focused academic programs and student learning that anticipate evolving workforce, industry, and societal needs.
- Enhancing student success, retention, engagement, belonging, well-being, and career readiness through evidence-based practices and a commitment to student-centered learning across the curriculum.
- Expanding experiential and applied learning opportunities, including internships, undergraduate research, industry partnerships, service learning, global experiences, and other high-impact educational practices for all students.
- Strengthening strategic partnerships with employers, alumni, commodity groups, Nebraska communities, and other stakeholders to ensure graduates are prepared for current and emerging careers.
- Advancing a comprehensive talent development pipeline by strengthening pathways from K-12 education through community colleges and university partnerships, creating opportunities that inspire, recruit, retain, and develop future students and leaders.
- Supporting faculty excellence in teaching, mentoring, advising, and curriculum innovation while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.
- Promoting transdisciplinary learning that equips students to address complex challenges related to food systems, agriculture, natural resources, human and environmental health, and emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, automation, etc.).
- Cultivating a culture of innovation, curiosity, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning across the college.
- Strengthening CASNR’s reputation as a destination of choice for students seeking transformative educational experiences and meaningful careers that positively impact Nebraska, the US, and the world.
Additional information regarding the position, search timeline and opportunities for engagement is available at https://ianr.unl.edu/about-ianr/career-opportunities/casnr-dean-search/.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites nominations and applications from accomplished leaders who are dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, collaboration and the continued advancement of the land-grant mission.
UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- A doctoral degree in a field of study represented within the departments of CASNR.
- A record of excellence in teaching, research, and/or extension; and scholarship commensurate with appointment in a CASNR unit at the rank of professor with tenure.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education at the department/school/center level or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred candidates will:
- Be able to demonstrate that they are visionary leaders with proven skills in academic administration, resource management, and/or program formation and review.
- Have an administrative record at an institution of higher education that demonstrates strong collaborative academic management experience, creative and strategic thinking, sound judgement, excellent analytical skills, and the ability and courage to make difficult but informed decisions.
- Show a commitment to and experience in supporting and cultivating an accomplished and productive faculty. A passion for excellence and integrity must be paired with an ability to inspire and motivate.
- Have experience with curriculum development and a commitment to excellence in undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional education.
- Have experience in fostering linkages between campus, community stakeholders, and industry partners.
- Be sensitive to the perspectives and values of faculty, staff, and students; have a commitment to transparent leadership and shared governance; and possess the ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of constituencies.
- Experience with effective development, fundraising, and entrepreneurial activities.
- Have a distinguished record of success in obtaining external funding.
EEO Statement
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See: Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Application Process
Click “Apply for this Job,” complete the faculty form, and attach the following required documents:
- A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position, your leadership approach, anticipated contributions, and vision for the college.
- A statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement. Please attach as “Other Document.”
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- The names and contact information of five professional references. References will be contacted only for candidates who make the short list.
All candidate information will be held in confidence until the final stage of the search, at which time the express permission of finalists will be obtained before contacting references and making their candidacy public.
Questions can be directed in confidence to:
Dr. Deb VanOverbeke, Search Advisory Committee co-Chair
Department Head, Animal Science
dvanoverbeke2@unl.edu
Dr. Don Becker, Search Advisory Committee co-Chair
Department Head, Biochemistry
dbecker3@unl.edu
For questions and assistance with submitting the application contact Rachel Szelag, Senior HR Specialist at rszelag2@unl.edu.
