Position Summary
Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources invites applications and nominations for Chairperson of the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences (PSM). PSM is an interdisciplinary department including Agronomy/Crop Science, Microbial Science, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Turfgrass Science and Management, and Weed Science.
The Department provides a stimulating intellectual environment for engaged scholarship in promoting resilient agricultural systems. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to embody and convey the land-grant mission of teaching, research, extension, and outreach to multiple audiences; provide effective leadership and management of multidisciplinary programs; be a strong advocate for the Department; and provide leadership for the continuing development of outstanding regional, national, and international programs. The full time, 12-month appointment position is available beginning July 1, 2025.
Specific Responsibilities:
The Chairperson provides facilitative leadership of the Department in teaching, research, extension, and outreach programs and is expected to maintain and enhance a creative and productive environment for faculty, staff, and students. The Chairperson serves as the principal representative of the Department with authority and responsibility for administrative decisions. The Chairperson reports directly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and interacts with senior leadership of the College, MSU Extension, and MSU AgBioResearch on a regular basis.
This is an administrative leadership position. Key responsibilities of the Chairperson include:
? Provide visionary leadership for creating, advancing, and articulating the mission of the Department and the land-grant mission, promoting national and international prominence.
? Encourage balanced and integrated teaching, research, extension, and outreach programs that impact Michigan, the U.S. and international constituents.
? Work with ~70 faculty members to identify existing and emerging opportunities and develop strategic short- and long-range plans for departmental enhancement.
? Recruit outstanding faculty and staff, assign responsibilities, evaluate performance, and promote faculty, student, and staff development.
? Support faculty and student achievement; foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, creativity and mentorship; and create a departmental community wherein diverse faculty, staff, and students thrive.
? Serve as a member of the Institute of Agricultural Technology Directorate.
? Manage and administer Department budgets and provide oversight in the procurement of financial and other resources; assure fiscally responsible implementation.
? Adhere to all MSU policies in research, education, extension, outreach, financial, and personnel administration.
? Work cooperatively within the Departmental governance structure, including Associate Chairs, a Department Teaching Coordinator, Graduate Programs Directors for Crop and Soil Sciences and Plant Pathology, an Extension Project Leader, and an elected Department Advisory Committee.
? Serve as liaison and advocate for the Department within the larger governance structure of the College and University.
? Communicate and foster relationships with clientele, including Departmental alumni, governmental leaders, MSU administrators, other campus units, private sector stakeholders, and professional and disciplinary groups.
? Represent the Department to state and federal agencies, private organizations, partners and collaborators, and key industry groups.
? Advance funds development at the Department, College, and University levels.
Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment.
MSU enjoys a park-like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is in East Lansing, adjacent to the state capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a