Dean of the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College
of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Utah State University (USU) invites nominations and applications from individuals to provide outstanding leadership and a dynamic vision as the inaugural Dean of the newly formed S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
USU is a Carnegie-recognized R1 institution and Utah’s land-grant and space-grant university, recently reported more than $450 million in annual research expenditures. Utah State enrolls nearly 30,000 students, including more than 3,000 graduate students and over 8,000 students at its eight statewide campuses, 22 education centers, and online programs.
The university’s land-grant research dates back to the establishment of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station in 1888. The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (QANR) is the most recent iteration of the college that now encompasses agriculture and natural resources, and also a broad range of degree and certificate programs at the university’s main campus in Logan and through USU’s statewide campus system. QANR embodies aspects of the land-grant mission in developing education and training opportunities for people in communities statewide that serve local needs, strengthen the state’s workforce, and offer multiple paths to education and building skills.
As chief academic officer for the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the dean will report directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President. In addition to a strong academic background and credentials sufficient for appointment to the rank of full professor, the ideal candidate must be a visionary, servant-leader with academic credibility, proven administrative experience, and the human character to unify and inspire. They will honor past planning efforts while guiding the College through cultural and fiscal transitions with clarity, compassion, and courage. With strong communication, advocacy, fundraising, and decision-making skills, this leader will uphold the land-grant mission, cultivate belonging, and position the College as a trusted and innovative force in higher education and society. The ideal candidate will possess a broad and interdisciplinary perspective across agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sciences, and capacity to understand and support growth in technical and professional programs that serve people across the state in innovative ways.
A complete Search Profile with additional information about the University and the responsibilities of the position can be found in the leadership profile: https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/dean-of-the-sj-jessie-e-quinney-college-of-agriculture-and-natural-resources-utah-state.
APPLICATION PROCESS
For full consideration, applications should be received by December 18, 2025.
Candidates should provide the following:
- A letter of interest that addresses the leadership opportunities and desired experiences and attributes in this profile.
- A curriculum vitae/resume.
- Contact information for five references to be contacted at a later date with candidate’s permission.
Applications should be in PDF format and submitted through the AGB Search portal at: Utah State University Dean, S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nominations and expressions of interest may be submitted to: UtahStateQANR@agbsearch.com
AGB Search is assisting with this search. Nominators and prospective applicants may contact the search consultants for additional information:
Laura Woodworth-Ney, Ph.D. - Principal
laura.woodworth-ney@agbsearch.com / 208.589.8896
Kim R. Bobby, Ed.D. - Principal
kim.bobby@agbsearch.com / 253.861.7738
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
