Job Description

Chairperson of the Department of Horticulture Description of Duties The new Chair will lead an interdisciplinary team of 33 faculty and 25 staff in a department offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as a two-year certificate through MSU’s Institute of Agricultural Technology. The undergraduate program enrolls 100–110 students in a B.S. degree with three concentrations and several minors. The graduate program—one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious in U.S. horticulture—hosts 30–35 students and is internationally recognized for training top research scientists, extension specialists, and horticultural industry leaders in the plant sciences. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Chair will provide cohesive leadership to advance the department, support and elevate senior faculty, mentor junior faculty, and serve as a strong representative of Horticulture within the university and nationally. With deep external engagement and strong ties to Michigan’s horticultural industries, the Chair will guide the department’s growth in alignment with industry needs and opportunities. The ideal candidate will bring the vision and business acumen to serve as a primary liaison to external partners, fostering strategic collaborations and generating support for student success. The Department’s size, multi-disciplinary focus, and demonstrated commitment to the land‑grant mission represent a substantial opportunity for a leader with the vision and desire to broaden MSU’s impact across the Great Lakes region, the nation, and the globe. The position is a full‑time, 12‑month tenure‑system appointment at the rank of full professor. For a full position description, please visit MSU Careers website at careers.msu.edu posting #1085752 Qualifications A Ph.D. in Horticulture or related discipline and eligibility for appointment at the rank of full professor. Experience in administration of personnel, budgets, and programs; Demonstrated outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a diverse community; The ability to communicate effectively with administrators, faculty, staff, students, stakeholders, donors, and other groups; Demonstrates a commitment to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. Michigan State University ( invites applications and nominations for the next Chairperson of the Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) ( One of the top ranked horticulture programs in North America, the Department is recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, and extension. Faculty members bring a broad spectrum of expertise that spans both interdisciplinary fields—such as breeding, genomics, developmental biology, physiology, metabolism, and molecular biology—and commodity‑based specialty crop production including fruit and vegetable crops, viticulture, floriculture, nursery crops, postharvest science, landscape design and ecology, and horticultural economics. Faculty members are consistently honored by professional societies and industry for their outstanding contributions. Situated in a state with vibrant fruit, vegetable, nursery, and greenhouse industries, the department fosters strong collaborations among faculty, students, and stakeholders. These partnerships drive innovative, responsive initiatives that serve the needs of Michigan’s agricultural sector and beyond. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern Weed Science Society

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