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The University of Kentucky (UK) Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment invites nominations and inquiries for an exceptional engagement and academic leader to serve as Associate Dean of Extension and Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (KCES). The Associate Dean reports directly to the Vice President for Land-grant Engagement and Dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
The Associate Dean provides statewide leadership for the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (KCES), which is dedicated to taking the University of Kentucky to the people of the Commonwealth by delivering research-based educational programs designed to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. KCES is central to the University of Kentucky’s outreach mission in that it provides and facilitates quality educational, research, and technical services for people, groups, and organizations in Kentucky. These activities support and promote individual well-being, professional and organizational development, social and cultural enrichment, economic opportunity, and regional development.
The Associate Dean is expected to show initiative and self-discipline, with confidence to lead, encourage and enable a team and work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders. The Associate Dean must demonstrate an ability to influence people positively, be a catalyst for progress, and make a decisive impact. The Associate Dean must advance the organization by refining, enhancing and innovating the mission and purpose of the Cooperative Extension System. The Associate Dean must be able to communicate a vision of how the organization’s operations and opportunities enhance the community’s resources for education, economic development, civic, and cultural programs. The Associate Dean will promote a culture of customer service and the capacity to incorporate this philosophy to advance positive impact upon clientele and all stakeholders.
Because of the strong alignment with university programs, the Associate Dean will be eligible for an “at will” secondary appointment as the University of Kentucky’s Associate Vice President for Land-grant Engagement. In this supplemental role, the position will report to the Vice President for Land-grant Engagement and Dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The mission of this office is to bring the tripartite university mission to the people and places of the state. The current University strategic plan, Our Purpose, call for the University of Kentucky (UK) to advance Kentucky as we expand and enhance the land-grant engagement mission to include the entire campus community and leverage community-based resources to accelerate health, workforce and economic development across the Commonwealth. To that end, the Vice President of Land-grant Engagement works with our campus and community partners to strengthen our role as the university for, by and with the people of Kentucky.
Jeremy Duff & Julie Schrodt with Greenwood Asher & Associates are assisting University of Kentucky on this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Application materials should include:
We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin on May 15, 2025 and continue until an appointment is made.
Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Julie Schrodt at: julieschrodt@greenwoodsearch.com
To apply, please use this link: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/578394