Position Function:
Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Head of the Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection. This is a full-time administrative role offering a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and scientifically diverse department committed to excellence in research, Extension, and teaching within the Land-Grant mission. The department encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science with a current total of 30 faculty and 35 full time staff. The department has an undergraduate program in Agricultural Science with 98 undergraduate and approximately 40 graduate students. Applications must be submitted online at www.jobs.msstate.edu (PARF 509999)
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Head of the Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection. This is a full-time administrative role offering a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and scientifically diverse department committed to excellence in research, Extension, and teaching within the Land-Grant mission. The department encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science with a current total of 30 faculty and 35 full time staff. The department has an undergraduate program in Agricultural Science with 98 undergraduate and approximately 40 graduate students.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 1, 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Directors of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and the MSU Extension Service (MSU-ES), the Department Head will:
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture
• Provide strategic leadership across research, Extension, and teaching missions
• Represent the department to internal and external stakeholders, including civic and professional organizations
• Manage budgets, personnel, and resources according to University policies to support departmental goals
• Promote interdisciplinary initiatives and extramural funding opportunities
• Support curriculum development and programmatic excellence
• Advocate for faculty and staff development and performance
Minimum Qualifications:
• Earned doctorate in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agronomy, or a closely related field
• Distinguished record of leadership in research, teaching, and/or Extension
• Eligibility for appointment as a tenured faculty with graduate faculty status at MSU
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience navigating complex organizational structures and industry partnerships
• Demonstrated success in working with diverse constituency groups
• Strategic vision aligned with the Land-Grant mission
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The Successful Head will provide:
1. A bold strategic vision for academic administration, research, Extension, and teaching.
2. Strong administrative skills
3. Academic leadership experience
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Limited physical effort required.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted online at www.jobs.msstate.edu. Required materials include:
1. Curriculum vitae
2. Academic transcripts (SSN redacted prior to submission)
3. Cover letter detailing administrative philosophy and vision for the department
4. Five professional references (name, address, phone, email)
Join us in shaping the future of agricultural science and plant protection. We look forward to welcoming a leader who will inspire innovation, collaboration, and impact across Mississippi and beyond.
Supplemental information may be submitted to:
Dr. Jeff Gore, AGSPP Search Chair
Delta Research and Extension Center
P.O. Box 197
Stoneville, MS 38776
jg231@msstate.edu
(662)686-3252
Review of applications will begin after January 5, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Screening Date:
January 5, 2026, until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
