Kansas State University
Eldon Gideon Dean of Agriculture
Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States, 66506
About the Role
Kansas State University seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to advance the missions of the College of Agriculture by serving as the next Eldon Gideon Dean. The successful candidate must have the experience and vision to inspire, guide, and facilitate the College’s faculty and staff in the advancement of high‑quality teaching, research, engagement, and extension while providing leadership that assures the integrity, excellence, relevance, and success of the College’s multi‑faceted programs. The Dean reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President, Jesse Perez Mendez, and serves as a member of the Academic Leadership Council and Deans Council.
Key Responsibilities The next Dean is expected to grow the College’s excellence in teaching, research, extension, and engagement; promote a team‑oriented leadership approach; drive further development and growth in enrollment, disciplines, and degrees; and cultivate internal and external partnerships to advance the College’s Next‑Gen K‑State Strategic Plan. As an institutional leader, the Dean will be highly involved in developing University‑wide strategies for increasing interdisciplinary research, building external partnerships, and promoting outreach efforts that engage the University in responding to statewide, national, and international issues.
Unique Opportunities
Utilize the new Agricultural Innovation Initiative, a $220 million construction project scheduled to be completed by fall of 2026, which includes the construction of three new buildings: the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, and the Bilbrey Family Event Center.
Partner with the University’s Executive Vice President for External Engagement and Chief of Staff, Marshall Stewart, to enhance an environment that promotes community‑engaged scholarship and delivers innovative and relevant education through extension to the residents in the state’s 105 counties.
Build on and expand partnerships with community colleges and other 4‑year institutions to expand agricultural education.
Expand and strengthen existing partnerships between the Manhattan and Olathe campuses in urban food systems and the Food as Medicine initiative.
Leverage K‑State’s new research foundation infrastructure and architecture to expand university‑industry collaborations, partnerships, and licensing.
About Us At K‑State, passion drives our purpose. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to the meaningful impact of their work, collectively shaping the future of our next‑generation land‑grant university. Every employee plays a vital role in advancing our mission, touching the lives of Kansans and communities worldwide. Through our research, teaching, and service, we strive to create positive change and realize K‑State’s vision of becoming a leading land‑grant institution.
Work Site This position is on‑site.
What You’ll Need to Succeed Educational Requirements
An earned doctorate in one of the disciplines represented in the College, or in a closely related field.
Required Competencies/Qualifications
A strong record of distinguished academic achievement in teaching, research, and/or extension which merits appointment as a tenured, full professor in one of the College’s departments, with evidence of professional distinction and national or international recognition in their field.
Demonstrated success as an innovative and strategic leader with the ability to plan, coordinate, articulate, and execute a strategic vision and initiatives while engaging others.
Seniority Level
Executive
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Education and Training
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities The next Dean is expected to grow the College’s excellence in teaching, research, extension, and engagement; promote a team‑oriented leadership approach; drive further development and growth in enrollment, disciplines, and degrees; and cultivate internal and external partnerships to advance the College’s Next‑Gen K‑State Strategic Plan. As an institutional leader, the Dean will be highly involved in developing University‑wide strategies for increasing interdisciplinary research, building external partnerships, and promoting outreach efforts that engage the University in responding to statewide, national, and international issues.
Unique Opportunities
Utilize the new Agricultural Innovation Initiative, a $220 million construction project scheduled to be completed by fall of 2026, which includes the construction of three new buildings: the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, and the Bilbrey Family Event Center.
Partner with the University’s Executive Vice President for External Engagement and Chief of Staff, Marshall Stewart, to enhance an environment that promotes community‑engaged scholarship and delivers innovative and relevant education through extension to the residents in the state’s 105 counties.
Build on and expand partnerships with community colleges and other 4‑year institutions to expand agricultural education.
Expand and strengthen existing partnerships between the Manhattan and Olathe campuses in urban food systems and the Food as Medicine initiative.
Leverage K‑State’s new research foundation infrastructure and architecture to expand university‑industry collaborations, partnerships, and licensing.
About Us At K‑State, passion drives our purpose. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to the meaningful impact of their work, collectively shaping the future of our next‑generation land‑grant university. Every employee plays a vital role in advancing our mission, touching the lives of Kansans and communities worldwide. Through our research, teaching, and service, we strive to create positive change and realize K‑State’s vision of becoming a leading land‑grant institution.
Work Site This position is on‑site.
What You’ll Need to Succeed Educational Requirements
An earned doctorate in one of the disciplines represented in the College, or in a closely related field.
Required Competencies/Qualifications
A strong record of distinguished academic achievement in teaching, research, and/or extension which merits appointment as a tenured, full professor in one of the College’s departments, with evidence of professional distinction and national or international recognition in their field.
Demonstrated success as an innovative and strategic leader with the ability to plan, coordinate, articulate, and execute a strategic vision and initiatives while engaging others.
Seniority Level
Executive
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Education and Training
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr