Abilene Christian University

Department Chair, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Abilene Christian University in its search for Department Chair, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

For full consideration, please apply by June 3, 2025.

A unique opportunity awaits a dynamic and visionary leader to join Abilene Christian University (ACU), a nationally ranked top institution, as the next Department Chair and faculty member of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in the Onstead College of Science and Engineering (OCSE). The OCSE is at the forefront of discovery, with recent investments in new research facilities, including the $23 million Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC).

Reporting to the Dean of OCSE, the Chair will set a bold strategic direction, strengthen faculty engagement, and expand student recruitment and retention efforts in a thriving academic environment. The Chair will lead a diverse and growing department that offers B.S. degrees in Agribusiness, Animal Science, and Environmental Science while managing the department’s 400-acre Rhoden Farm and Field Lab. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, an accomplished educator and researcher, and a champion of teaching, scholarship, and Christian service. The Chair must be committed to high-quality undergraduate education, with demonstrated excellence in teaching and a proven track record of impactful research that enhances student learning and faculty development.

This is a 9-month tenure-track position reporting to the Dean of the Onstead College of Science and Engineering.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Working with faculty to develop and review standards, curricula, and procedures that provide preparation of graduates for professional or further academic endeavors

· Scheduling course offerings and teaching assignments for full-time and part-time faculty members

· Managing the department and personnel

· Overseeing department budget and resources, including the department’s 400-acre Rhoden Farm and Field Lab

· Planning and executing a strategic direction for the department

· Leading student recruitment and retention efforts

· Representing the department at college and university events

· Communicating and implementing college and university policies to the department

· Advocating departmental needs to the college and university

· Encouraging and supporting engaged teaching, scholarly activity, and professional development within the department

· Teaching within discipline

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Graduate degree in agribusiness, animal science, environmental science or a closely related discipline

· Record of teaching and research commensurate with the rank of associate professor or above

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Earned doctorate in agribusiness, animal science, environmental science or a closely related discipline

· Previous higher education administrative experience

· Evidence of academic leadership experience

About ACU

Founded in 1906, Abilene Christian University (ACU) is one of the largest private institutions in the Southwest with a student population of 6,219. ACU has two campuses. The main campus is located in Abilene, TX and their branch campus, which is the hub for the university’s online programs, is in Dallas. ACU has six academic colleges (College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Onstead College of Science and Engineering; College of Biblical Studies; College of Business Administration; the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies) offering more than 79 majors, 164 areas of study and 12 accelerated degree programs. ACU is nationally recognized for student academic programs and experiences. In the U.S. News & World Report 2023-24 “Programs to Look For” benchmark, ACU was ranked in the top 10 for Service Learning, First-year Experience and Learning Communities.

ACU is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and emphasizes Christian values and principles in its academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities. The university has a strong commitment to community service and encourages students to engage in volunteer work and outreach programs.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjygkr0v