Search for Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dr. Winfred M. Phillips, Chair Search Committee
The University of Florida is engaged in a search for a person to serve in the position of Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The search committee had its first meeting on November 24 at which University President John Lombardi gave his charge to the committee. The success of this important search will depend on the quality of candidates in the pool. The faculty, staff and university community have an opportunity to submit nominations of qualified individuals. The deadline for nominations is January 30, 1998, and the application deadline for the position is February 12, 1998.
The Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources is a key position for the university and the State of Florida as the vice president directs the University of Florida’s Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, one of this institution’s premier collections of academic resources. The faculty, students, and programs of UF/IFAS have a statewide constituency and a national and international influence. UF/IFAS is a cornerstone of this university’s distinguished reputation as one of America’s great land-grant institutions. The search for a dynamic and visionary leader is a critical endeavor.
The enclosed position announcement provides indication of the scope of duties and responsibilities of this position.
We would appreciate any suggestions or nominations you have of individuals who might be strong prospects for this position. If you have any questions concerning the position or process, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at wphil@eng.ufl.edu. or at (352) 392-6000. Thank you for your assistance in this important effort on behalf of the University of Florida.
Winfred M. Phillips
Chair, Vice Presidential Search Committee
Dean, College of Engineering
University of Florida
Duties and Responsibilities: The University’s programs in food, agriculture, and renewable human and natural resources are administered by the Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, who reports directly to the President of the University. The Vice President is the administrative head of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) which encompasses five major units: the College of Agriculture; the Agricultural Experiment Station; the Cooperative Extension Service; the School of Forest Resources and Conservation; and elements of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Also, the Dean of the campus wide College of Natural Resources and Environment reports to the Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Within IFAS there are some 931 faculty members located in 22 academic departments on the main campus, 15 administrative research and education centers throughout the state (with faculty located in 21 different geographical sites) and 67 county extension offices. Current student enrollment (graduate and undergraduate) is approximately 3,831. Through its Office of International Programs and the Center for Tropical Agriculture, IFAS also administers contract programs of technical assistance in agriculture and related natural resources to developing nations in tropical areas around the world.
IFAS has an annual operating budget from federal, state and county governments of more than $125 million, plus a contracts and grant budget of approximately $40 million annually.
Among other qualities, candidates for the position should have a strong record of achievement with demonstrated competence as an administrator and effective leader; good communication skills and ability to work effectively within the framework of a large university, as well as with groups external to the university; and a strong commitment to excellence in instruction, basic and applied research, and the service mission of the University. There should also be an understanding of and commitment to the mission of land-grant institutions.
Qualifications: The doctoral degree in an appropriate area of specialization is expected. The Vice President should have the qualifications necessary to hold a tenured position with the academic rank of professor in an appropriate academic department. Salary will be commensurate with experience and other qualifications.
Nominations and Applications: Deadline for nominations is January 30, 1998, and the deadline for applications is February 12, 1998. Applications should include a current curriculum vitae and names of three references should be sent to:
Dean, College of Engineering
c/o Office of the President
Box 113150, 226 Tigert Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-3150
The University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The “government in the sunshine” laws of Florida require that all documents relating to the search process, including letters of application/nomination and reference, be available for public inspection.
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