Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) seeks a dynamic, visionary, and accomplished leader to serve as Dean and Director of Land-Grant Programs for the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR).
Located in Prairie View, Texas, about 50 miles from downtown Houston, the 1,440-acre campus has a proud legacy of producing leaders who make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. PVAMU counts among its alumni distinguished military officers, pioneering engineers, nationally recognized educators, acclaimed artists, celebrated athletes, influential public servants, and innovators who embody the University's enduring commitment to excellence and service.
PVAMU is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas. Empowered by a shared sense of history and purpose, the University remains committed to providing the highest quality of education, research, and service. Established in 1876 as a land-grant institution, PVAMU enrolls more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 89 countries. The University comprises 11 colleges and schools, most of which are accredited by specialized professional bodies, and supports numerous research centers on its main campus. PVAMU offers 36 bachelor's degree programs, 31 master's degree programs, and six doctoral programs. With record enrollment, rising national rankings, and students achieving career success at top companies, the University is building undeniable momentum on its Journey to Eminence.
The College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources operates in the proud land-grant tradition of integrating teaching, research, and service to improve lives and strengthen communities. CAFNR serves as a vital engine for academic excellence, scientific discovery, outreach, and economic development across Texas and beyond. Through its academic programs, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, and Extension programs, the College advances innovation in agriculture, food systems, nutrition, natural resources, environmental sustainability, youth development, community and economic development, and family and community health.
CAFNR offers programs in agriculture, natural resources and environmental sciences, human nutrition and food, and related disciplines, preparing students for careers in fields ranging from agriculture and environmental stewardship to healthcare, public service, business, and scientific research. The College's research enterprise addresses critical challenges facing agriculture, natural resource management, food security, health, and rural and underserved communities, while its extension programs deliver research-based education and services throughout Texas. PVAMU Extension currently serves communities in more than 56 Texas counties through programs focused on agriculture and natural resources, community and economic development, family and community health, and 4-H youth development.
Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean and Director of Land-Grant Programs serves as the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of the College, and provides leadership for all academic, research, extension, and outreach activities. The Dean and Director is responsible for advancing the College's instructional quality, research productivity, enrollment growth, student success, and public service mission while ensuring alignment with PVAMU's strategic priorities and federal land-grant responsibilities.
The next Dean and Director will have a unique opportunity to lead one of the University's most mission-centered and externally engaged colleges during a period of significant institutional momentum. Key priorities include strengthening academic programs; supporting faculty scholarship and innovation; expanding research capacity and extramural funding; enhancing extension and outreach impact; growing strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, alumni, and community stakeholders; advancing enrollment and retention efforts; and stewarding resources to ensure long‑term growth and sustainability. The Dean and Director will play a critical role in elevating CAFNR's visibility and impact while advancing PVAMU's commitment to serving the citizens of Texas through education, discovery, and engagement.
The ideal candidate will be an eminent scholar‑practitioner with a demonstrated record of academic leadership, scholarly achievement, and success in securing external funding and developing strategic partnerships. Candidates must possess an earned doctorate and have a distinguished record of scholarly, research, or creative accomplishment commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor in the College. The University seeks a collaborative and innovative leader with experience in academic administration, faculty development, enrollment growth, resource management, and accreditation. An appreciation for the historic missions of HBCUs and land‑grant institutions, along with familiarity with federal land‑grant systems, USDA programs, and extension activities, will be highly valued. While not required, candidates who have experience as a faculty member or an administrator at a research‑intensive university are of interest to PVAMU.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
Prairie View A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
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