Dean

The University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the world’s outstanding public research and teaching universities, invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

UW-Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneering international leader in discovery, innovation and education across the biological, physical and social sciences and the humanities. CALS’s scholarship ranges from transformative advances in agriculture and natural resource stewardship to fundamental investigations into the principles that govern life, climate adaptation, and human and community health. Through its integrated missions of research, teaching, extension and outreach, CALS advances knowledge and collaborates with stakeholders to translate discovery into lasting benefits for Wisconsin and the world.

CALS offers a broad range of academic programs. Its nationally ranked departments in molecular biosciences work in tandem with leaders in environmental sciences, production agriculture, soil and plant sciences, food and nutritional sciences, and communication, sociology and economics. This distinctive combination creates an intellectually vibrant and truly interdisciplinary community in which fundamental discoveries inform practical solutions while real-world challenges inspire research. The college’s growing undergraduate enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and strong graduate programs reflect the vitality and appeal of the educational environment.

The Dean of CALS is the chief academic and executive officer of the college, providing leadership to more than 250 faculty and more than 800 staff across 14 departments. Within UW-Madison’s strong ecosystem of faculty governance, the Dean reports to the chancellor and the provost, and carries responsibility for strategic direction; academic programs; the research enterprise; fiscal stewardship and development; inclusivity; personnel; and relationships with community, industry and government partners. The CALS budget is approximately $250 million, and the research enterprise is supported by a diverse portfolio of federal, state, private, and philanthropic resources, at a time when changes in the federal funding landscape present both significant challenges and opportunities for strategic leadership.

As the Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station, the Dean oversees the institution’s federal agricultural research designation, associated federal research capacity funds and a statewide network of 12 agricultural research stations. In coordination with the UW–Madison Division of Extension, the Dean helps fulfill the college’s and university’s land-grant mission by connecting university research and expertise with communities throughout Wisconsin. The college also has a large facility footprint, including occupants across 28 campus buildings and over 8,000 acres of land and associated agricultural research facilities in Madison and throughout the state.

Please visit the following websites for information about the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the University of Wisconsin-Madison:
http://www.cals.wisc.edu/
http://www.wisc.edu/

Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations

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 this position description. To ensure consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 15, 2027.

Confidentiality

Important information regarding confidentiality: Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, UW-Madison is required by Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7) to release the names of all applicants to anyone who requests that information. If you would like to request confidentiality, please indicate that in an email to Courtney Cabansag (ccabansag@imsearch.com). Candidates who advance to the finalist round are announced publicly prior to their campus visits.

Greg Esposito is leading this search with Courtney Cabansag and Victoria Castillo.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.