The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks a Director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SVMBS) to provide leadership, vision, and direction for all aspects of the school. The director must be a creative, dynamic, compassionate, and collaborative person who uses their knowledge and skills to elevate the school to achieve impact. We seek an accomplished scholar who will put the success of the school above their individual accomplishments. The incumbent must inspire confidence and trust among faculty and staff with disparate expertise and scholarship interests. The successful candidate will be one who appreciates the complexities of higher education at a comprehensive Research 1 land-grant university including how faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders can work together to address critical challenges.
Consistent with UNL’s N2025 Strategic Plan, every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission. SVMBS consists of undergraduate, graduate and professional students, 37 faculty members and 42 staff members committed to high quality, innovative research and service, and affordable, accessible student-focused education in veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences.
The SVMBS is uniquely positioned for transdisciplinary work at the intersection of agriculture, veterinary medicine, and biomedical research. It houses the UNL Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM), the nation’s first 2+2 veterinary education program. Offered in partnership with the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, the PPVM delivers a high-quality, AVMA-accredited education for Nebraska residents. In addition, the SVMBS is home to the Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center (GPVEC), which is located at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC). This unique educational center offers immersive clinical training in production animal medicine for veterinary students from across the country and provides outreach/Extension services to veterinary practitioners and livestock producers. The SVMBS also includes the state-of-the-art Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center (NVDC), which provides comprehensive diagnostic services to clinicians and producers across the state. The SVMBS plays a central role in the Nebraska Center for Virology, a hub for cutting-edge research on infectious diseases affecting both animals and humans. The SVMBS supports Nebraska One Health, a program that addresses interconnected human, animal, and ecosystem health through research, collaborative disease surveillance, teaching, and outreach. Collaborative partnerships include the University of Nebraska Medical Center; state and federal agencies working on human, domestic animal, and wildlife health; zoos; and community organizations. Together, these programs create a collaborative environment that bridges disciplines, advancing both scientific discovery and practical applications in animal and human health.
This is a 100% administrative appointment. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The school director will be appointed to a five-year renewable term, subject to satisfactory annual reviews and a formal reappointment process. Additional information can be found at Director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Search | Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources | Nebraska.
Qualifications for the Position
To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- DVM or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited institution.
- Advanced degree or certification in an AVMA-recognized specialty.
- Experience and qualifications commensurate for appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure in SVMBS.
- Demonstrated ability to provide visionary leadership (including creating a shared vision and aligning resources to achieve strategic outcomes).
- A record of leadership and outcomes that demonstrate an abiding commitment to practices that enhance access and belongingness.
- Exceptional skills in communication and interpersonal relations.
Preferred qualifications include:
- PhD in veterinary medicine/science, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, or related field.
- A record of excellence in research and scholarly outputs.
- Teaching experience and scholarly outputs.
- Extension/outreach experience, programming development and scholarly outputs.
- An ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of constituencies (e.g., professional veterinary organizations, animal agriculture stakeholders, etc.).
- Evidence of navigating complex situations and making successful strategic decisions.
- Demonstrated encouragement and/or development of innovative leadership activities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
- Sensitivity to the perspectives and values of students, staff, faculty, and stakeholders.
Application
The search advisory committee will continue to receive applications until the director is selected. To ensure full consideration, nominations and applications should be submitted before July 7, 2025.
Questions and nominations can be directed in confidence to the co-chairs of the search committee:
Renee McFee, DVM, Ph.D.
PPVM Coordinator
Associate Professor
rmcfee3@unl.edu
Brian Vander Ley, DVM, Ph.D.
Co-Director, GPVEC
Associate Professor
bvanderley2@unl.edu
Applicants should go to http://employment.unl.edu and search positions using requisition number F_250040, click on “Apply to this Job,” complete the form and attach a) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position, anticipated contributions, and vision for the school; b) a statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum; see Tips for Writing About Contributions to Teams and Work and Learning Environments | Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources | Nebraska for guidance in writing this statement); c) a detailed curriculum vitae; and d) the names and contact information of 5 professional references. References will be requested only from candidates who make the short list. All candidate information will be held in confidence until the final stage of the search, at which time the express permission of finalists will be obtained before making their candidacy public. Candidates are urged to review all information and documents posted on the search web site.
For questions and assistance with submitting the application contact Rachel Szelag, Senior HR Specialist at rszelag2@unl.edu or by phone at (402) 472-5730.
UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.
