Ronald P. Lynch Dean, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

As a premier institution of scientific exploration, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) connects the life, agricultural, environmental, and social sciences to provide world-class education, spark unexpected discoveries, and inspire pioneering solutions. CALS is uniquely positioned to address global challenges, given the College’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that leverage Cornell’s expertise in science and technology and its strength in collaborating with global foundations, economic and government agencies, and industry leaders.

CALS is among the most comprehensive academic units in the world and is widely regarded for the quality of its programs.  The College has nearly 3,800 undergraduate students and over 1,000 graduate students and encompasses 23 majors, 42 minors, and 1,500 courses of study.  There are 360 faculty, 290 academic professionals, 210 post-docs, and 960 staff affiliated with CALS.  The rich array of schools, departments, institutes, and initiatives reflects CALS’s commitment to an interdisciplinary culture and a deeply held belief that effecting meaningful change requires a holistic, systems-based approach to problem solving.

Cornell University seeks a creative leader and accomplished scholar as the next leader of CALS.  The CALS Dean will be responsible for further developing the capacity of the College and moving associated programs forward in reputation, distinction, and influence.  The Dean will be expected to expand the intellectual, financial, and human assets of CALS while serving as a critical member of the senior leadership team of Cornell University.  Candidates for the role should have a record of successful leadership in an academic enterprise and experience guiding the interaction of people and systems to create the highest levels of institutional academic accomplishment.  He or she will combine intellectual curiousity with management acumen, be adept at facilitating connections and building partnerships and collaborations, and be able to serve as a trusted and respected member of a university leadership team.  Above all, the Dean must support and advance a culture that values collaboration, shared governance, thoughtful management, and aggressive pursuit of academic excellence at a College rooted in scholarship and application.

Cornell University is being assisted in this process by Spencer Stuart.  To confidentially submit comments, questions, nominations, or expressions of interest, please send an e-mail with any supporting materials to CALSDean@spencerstuart.com.