Dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Buffkin Baker is partnering with University of Idaho to seek the next dean for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. More information about the position, responsibility areas, required and preferred qualifications will be posted later this month.

University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) addresses the world’s most critical challenges in order to create and sustain an abundant food and energy supply, a healthy environment and successful families and communities.

We offer 43 undergraduate and graduate degree programs on a broad range of topics, from animal science to child development. Every day, CALS faculty and students work together to provide solutions that advance the health and welfare of people, animals and the environment. In CALS you will help address critical issues that will improve the quality of people’s lives. We offer a supportive academic family and unique learning opportunities across the state — impacting the world from Idaho.

Learn more about the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Founded in 1889, University of Idaho is the state’s land-grant institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. The student population numbers more than 12,000, including first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars at locations in Moscow, Boise, Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls. As the only institution in the state to be classified by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation as “higher research activity,” university researchers expended over $109 million in expenditures last year.

Consistently recognized as one of the best public colleges in the United States by The Princeton Review, and a noted national leader in student-centered learning and interdisciplinary research that promotes public service, the university combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities and a focus on helping students succeed and become leaders. Over 2,500 employees support and guide 120 Bachelor's, 83 Master's and 33 doctoral degree options in the colleges of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Art and Architecture; Business and Economics; Education, Health and Human Sciences; Engineering; Law; Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Natural Resources and Science. Through an institution-wide commitment to diversity, multiculturalism and community, U of I actively engages in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and student body.

The university is a dynamic and integral part of the fabric of Idaho and, as such, plays a key role in the state’s economic development. With extension offices in 42 counties, the university is committed to enhancing the scientific, economic, social, legal and cultural assets of the state and takes pride in a commitment to teaching, research, agriculture, outreach, extension and collaboration. The university provides access to publicly supported medical education through a multi-state partnership with University of Washington’s School of Medicine, and the U of I College of Law is among the nation’s best small state public law schools. Unique academic partnership opportunities are also afforded with other universities and colleges in Idaho, as well as Washington State University, located only eight miles away in Pullman, Washington.

The residential campus located in Moscow is a place of transformation and lasting traditions. With more than 200 student groups and a vibrant culture, the university is home to the renowned Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, for which U of I became the first public university to receive the National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest arts honor. Vandal athletic teams compete in 14 men's and women's NCAA Division I sports. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the Vandals are reigning conference champions in women’s basketball, women’s golf, men’s golf, women’s soccer and women’s tennis.

For additional information about University of Idaho, please view the website links below:

• Homepage
• Leadership
• Strategic Plan 2016-2025

Nomination status and deadline to select committee members.

Search Committee Members

• Lisa Victoravich (chair), Professor of Accounting and Dean, College of Business and Economics
• Zak Miller, Advisory Board Member, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Rick Naerebout, Advisory Board Member, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Ann Barrington, Sr. Director of Development, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Erin Chapman, Clinical Professor, Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences
• Xiaoli Etienne, Associate Professor, Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
• Benton Glaze, Research Professor and Extension Specialist, Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
• Chris Hamilton, Assistant Professor, Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology
• Juliet Marshall, Department Head and Professor, Plant Sciences
• Barbara Petty, Associate Dean/Director of UI Extension and Extension Professor
• Melissa Sherman, Idaho FFA Executive Director, Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications
• Michael Strickland, Research Associate Professor, Soil and Water Systems
• Trevor White, Director of Retention and Student Success, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Katie Hebdon, Undergraduate Student Representative
• Paul Tiez, Graduate Student Representative
• Mary Stout, Sr. Executive Assistant to the Provost/EVP and U of I Coordinator, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

September/October — Planning and Preparation

November/December — Recruitment of Candidates

TBD — First Consideration Date

January/February — Interview Phase