The University of Arizona (U of A) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES). This is a pivotal opportunity for a visionary and strategic leader to guide one of the nation's leading and most innovative agriculture, life, and environmental sciences colleges into its next era of excellence and impact.

A Carnegie R1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the University of Arizona is recognized as a top-tier public land-grant research university, serving more than 56,000 students across a vibrant academic community. Located in Tucson, a culturally rich and dynamic borderlands city to Mexico, the university fosters cutting-edge scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and artistic expression.

CALES is the heart of the University's land-grant mission, integrating research, teaching, and statewide engagement across agriculture, natural resources, animal sciences, human ecology, biosciences, and environmental sciences. Its programs—spanning fields from microbiology and biosystems engineering to nutrition, human development, and retailing—prepare students for careers in health, technology, conservation, and business through hands-on learning and research. With more than 4,100 students, 327 faculty, and 800 staff across 10 academic units, CALES spans five schools and five departments, managing over $98 million in annual research activity. Its reach includes Cooperative Extension, with offices in all 15 Arizona counties and services for 22 federally recognized tribes, as well as the Arizona Experiment Station, a statewide network of 11 research centers and 150,000 acres of rangeland. Together, these pillars deliver science-based solutions that strengthen Arizona's communities, economies, and ecosystems while informing global strategies for resilience in arid environments and advancing human well-being through equitable access to resources, opportunities, and evidence-based policy.

The next dean will provide bold, future-focused leadership to position CALES as a next-generation land-grant college that is deeply connected to communities statewide, nationally, and internationally. In alignment with the University's strategic imperatives, key priorities for the next dean include articulating a compelling vision that inspires faculty, staff, students, and partners to new levels of academic excellence and public value; modernizing curricula to enhance student success; advancing interdisciplinary research; and championing Cooperative Extension as a cornerstone of statewide impact. This includes implementing the Academic Success Goals through intentional engagement with each department and school within the college, while cultivating cross-functional collaboration with deans, senior leaders, and the Provost to set a transformative standard for student success.

The dean reports to the provost and chief academic officer and oversees a $145 million budget. This leader will serve as the public face of CALES, forging partnerships with industry, government, alumni, tribal communities, and other community stakeholders, and driving resource development through fundraising and advocacy. The role also requires a strong statewide presence, with regular engagement across county offices, tribal nations, and experiment stations to strengthen relationships and understand local needs firsthand.Success will require strategic vision, strong financial acumen, administrative and organizational leadership experience, and the ability to unify the college around shared purpose and innovation.

The ideal candidate will embody the University of Arizona's land-grant mission and commitment to serving the people of Arizona through teaching, research, extension, and community engagement. A doctoral degree and a distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research, and service are required for a tenured faculty appointment within the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences at the rank of full professor.

Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Professional references are not requested at this time. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 16, 2026.

Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to: Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington, and Jess Cummings at UofADeanCALES@wittkieffer.com.

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