Dean, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and

Director, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities (University of Minnesota, or UMN), one of the most respected public universities in the United States and the flagship of the University of Minnesota system, seeks a visionary and collaborative academic leader to be its next Dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and Director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES).

The Dean of CFANS and Director of MAES (Dean) will have the singular opportunity to advance an innovative strategy for two units that fulfill UMN's land-grant mission. The University of Minnesota has a distinguished history of leadership in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences. The state is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes"; about a third of Minnesota is forested, and much of the remainder is prairie and farmland. In this context, CFANS plays a critical role in agricultural production, environmental science, natural resource management, and planning and policy across the entire state. Research results are shared with the public through a partnership with University of Minnesota Extension, a separate college in the system. MAES is also an important contributor to the University's land-grant mission, funding basic and applied research conducted by faculty in CFANS as well as the College of Biological Sciences, the College of Design, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. 

This is a role of extraordinary breadth and visibility. The Dean engages with more than 190 faculty, 1600 undergraduates, and 500 graduate students in CFANS; producers and scientists across the state; agriculture and food industry partners and research cooperatives; commodity groups and associations; 11 sovereign Tribal Nations in Minnesota; and local and state government. CFANS leads 10 unique Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs) in communities throughout Minnesota and has dozens of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary academic centers and cooperatives. The ROCs support research that enhances the quality of agricultural production, natural resource systems, renewable energy and the environment, and disseminate the benefits of this research to the public. The Bell Museum and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, both part of CFANS, conduct additional outreach and educational programs for youth, adults, and the general public.

Reporting to the executive vice president and provost (EVPP), the Dean will advance a vision for excellence in science, research, learning, and outreach. This vision will be centered on the land-grant mission, unify and uplift the stakeholders and rightsholders of CFANS, and enhance the lives of people in Minnesota and beyond. The Dean will be a champion of excellence, an energetic ambassador, and a leader committed to collaboration, public higher education, and the land-grant mission and values of UMN.

A 17-member search committee will be assisted by the national recruiting firm Isaacson, Miller. Nominations, inquiries, and application materials (CVs and letters of interest) can be submitted electronically and in confidence to Anita Tien, Partner, and Andy Marshall, Managing Associate, at:

Dean, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and Director, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station

Isaacson, Miller

The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: https://diversity.umn.edu.