North Carolina A&T State University - Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Academic Career & Executive Search • Greensboro, NC

37d

About The Position

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) in its search for Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES). For full consideration, please apply by March 11, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled and applications may be considered after the priority date. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a nationally respected, research-intensive leader to shape the future of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at North Carolina A&T State University, the nation’s largest HBCU and a top-flight doctoral research institution. As a flagship land-grant college central to the University’s Preeminence 2030 agenda, CAES is poised for significant expansion in research activity, doctoral education, innovation, and statewide engagement. Backed by unprecedented momentum, public investment, and the Chancellor’s full commitment to CAES as a top institutional priority, the next Dean will lead a modern, high-impact college advancing discovery, economic development, and transformational public service across North Carolina and beyond. CAES has been a cornerstone of instructional excellence and impactful research since the University’s founding in 1891 and remains a major driver of institutional success. As one of only two land-grant universities in North Carolina, N.C. A&T’s prolific research output and transformative economic impact of $2.4 billion on the state have positioned the University for sustained public investment, expanding partnerships, and accelerated national prominence. The Dean serves as the chief executive officer of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences , providing strategic and operational leadership for its academic programs, research enterprise, Cooperative Extension, and external engagement mission. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean oversees an annual budget of approximately $50.7 million and leads a complex organization that includes associate and assistant deans, department chairs, and dedicated advancement and administrative support. The Dean must bring deep knowledge of the history and role of 1890 land-grant universities; demonstrated excellence in leadership within the context of institutional change and significant research expansion; and a strong commitment to student success, faculty excellence, and inclusive innovation. The successful candidate will be an exemplary communicator, consensus-builder, and advocate, with the ability to cultivate partnerships that advance external funding, philanthropic investment, student career pathways, and statewide impact.

Requirements

• The Dean should possess a terminal degree from an accredited school and academic credentials suitable for the rank of full professor within the College; however, candidates with significant leadership experience outside of academia will also be considered if they demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to higher education and the future of agriculture and environmental sciences education and research.
• Ph.D. in agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related discipline from an accredited institution
• Qualifications appropriate for an appointment to the faculty as a tenured full professor.
• At least three years of significant senior leadership and administrative experience, in addition to academic service; and
• Experience as the chief officer (dean, chair/head, director), president or similarly ranked senior management position.
• Evidence working with agricultural extension.
• Excellent budget management skills.
• Successful record of fundraising.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience and knowledge of holistic student success, including academic and career development.
• Demonstrated success in extramural research funding, high-quality education and curriculum design.
• Evidence of formal leadership development.
• A strong record of effective organization and administration skills with demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Evidence working across disciplines outside of agriculture and environmental sciences.
• A commitment to student learning and promoting a culture that values diversity.

Nice To Haves

• Five or more years of academic leadership and administrative experience.
• Strong record as a visionary, dynamic and collaborative leader.
• Evidence of ability to position the University’s assets and capabilities to advance the College, expand research, including competitive, extramural research, and elevate student success using an evidence-based, data-informed approach.
• A successful candidate for this position will demonstrate skills and knowledge related to partnering with University Advancement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance a strategic vision for the future of the College
• Facilitate growth in research and scholarship
• Support a culture of student success
• Recruit and retain high quality faculty and staff and lead through change
• Champion a welcoming climate for all
• Strengthen fundraising, alumni and corporate engagement, and enhance visibility for the College

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree