Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences / Director, Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station
About Iowa State University
Iowa State University (ISU) is a very special place and full of history. But what truly makes Iowa State unique is a rare combination of campus beauty, the opportunity to be a part of the land-grant mission, and the progressive and inventive spirit of the Cyclone experience.
The first class graduated in 1872. Iowa State established the nation's first state veterinary medicine school in 1879. In 1959, the college was officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
In addition to being classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University - Extensive, Iowa State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. Over 31,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 6,200 faculty and staff. Committed to its land-grant mission, the University is organized into eight colleges, including the Graduate College. The University provides a broad array of academic degree programs, including more than 100 bachelor's degree programs, one Professional -degree, over 100 master's programs, over 80 Ph.D. programs, and over 60 certificate programs. In FY 25, Iowa State secured $329.9 million in external research funding. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) was founded in 1858 and is the birthplace of the modern extension system.
The University's strategic plan is based upon four pillars: innovative solutions, education experience, community engagement, and knowledge & discovery. Intersected and interwoven throughout the pillars are its land-grant university hallmarks of teaching, research, service, and extension. Most importantly, the pillars give structure and direction on how the university will make a difference for its state and world in the years ahead.
Our Mission - Iowa State University will create, share, and apply knowledge to make our students, Iowa, and the world better.
Our Vision - Iowa State University will advance the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
Our Values - Iowa State University embraces the values of our Principles of Community (Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, Honest and Respectful Expression of Ideas) and the values of Access, Excellence, and Integrity.
Academics
More opportunities. More possibilities. More potential. With more than 100 majors to choose from, undergraduate students can customize their academic journey to maximize their impact in the world. From the first step on campus, they will be surrounded by world-renowned professors, resume-building opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Iowa State University offers graduate study in more than 180 graduate programs. Choose a full or part-time master's or doctoral degree, a campus-based or online master's degree, or even a certificate. For those who need to enhance credentials with additional coursework, or are simply interested in taking a class or two, a non-degree-seeking option can be considered. Students can discover and learn within small groups of peers and faculty in classes, seminars, labs, studios, and internship opportunities.
ISU Campus and Ames, IA
Fun things to do and endless places to visit. Unique shops and delicious dining. Concerts and performances featuring renowned and up-and-coming names.
Iowa State University and the city of Ames offer a perfect blend of arts, culture and entertainment with a stunning backdrop no matter the season - spring, summer, fall, and winter. Whether you're exploring campus or the Ames community, beauty and wonder are around every corner.
Ames, Iowa is a growing community of 65,000, located approximately 30 minutes north of Des Moines. Ames has 35 parks, 55 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, golf courses, lakes, and an aquatics center for outdoor recreation. Anchored by the beautiful Iowa State Campus and with a low cost of living, Ames is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
University Museums encompasses two art museums, a National Historic Landmark historic home museum, a sculpture garden, and one of the largest campus public art collections in the nation.
From the Wall Street Journal to Forbes Magazine, the city of Ames continually ranks among America's best cities to live, work, study, and play.
About the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is one of the world's leading institutions of agriculture, with more than 160 years of leadership in science, education and extension. The college educates future leaders, conducts mission-oriented research and shares new knowledge for the betterment of Iowa and the world. The college is one of eight colleges at Iowa State University, which is one of the most influential land grant universities in the nation. CALS at ISU is a comprehensive agricultural college, offering degrees and research programs in just about every aspect in the agricultural and rural space.
Iowa is a national and global leader in agriculture, with recognized strengths in food and renewable fuel production and a deep commitment to responsible resource stewardship. Across the state, influential leaders from agriculture, food, energy, conservation, and agribusiness-from small enterprises to major organizations-engage with our students, staff, and faculty.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers 28 undergraduate majors and 35 graduate programs in addition to hands-on opportunities for students to hone skills in leadership, communications and technical skills, within and across disciplines.
• The college hosts the nation's largest career fair and employers compete for its graduates: placement has been 97 percent or higher for 26 consecutive years.
• Approximately $4 million in scholarships are offered to students annually through the college and its departments.
• The college leads the campus in first-year retention rates and has the highest four-year graduation rate.
• Iowa State's agricultural and biosystems engineering programs consistently rank amongst the top programs nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report.
• CALS students interested in entrepreneurship can become involved in the Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences program.
• CALS manages 15 different research farms throughout the state, with more than 130 Iowa State faculty using the farms for various projects. In addition, 2,000 students receive hands-on learning experiences at the farms each year.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Program
The Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension program serves Iowans daily, delivering science-based information and education vital to farmers, businesses, communities and consumers. ANR engages with stakeholders to better understand needs, anticipate emerging issues, and inform future planning efforts. ANR is the largest unit in ISU Extension and Outreach, involving 84 faculty and staff in eight departments and 39 field specialists across Iowa. The ANR Extension network of campus-based state specialists and field specialists include natural resources, agricultural engineering, commercial horticulture, farm management, agronomists, agronomy, and livestock production beef specialists, swine specialists, and dairy specialists.
Advancing Science and Agriculture
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University drives research and discovery through its Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, building on 130+ years of national and international research leadership. CALS researchers span fields from agriculture, life sciences and social sciences, applying basic and applied science to tackle real-world problems. The Experiment Station's collaborative model supports research within CALS and across other Iowa State colleges and units, as well as with partners globally to fulfill the land-grant mission of improving agriculture and communities. The college is also a powerhouse in attracting competitive grants - it ranks in the top seven U.S. agricultural colleges for faculty with federal research grants and in the top ten for the total number of federal grants (2025 Academic Analytics). Over the last five years, CALS Experiment Station scientists have secured over $249 million (over $49 million annually) in external research funding (February 2025), fueling investigations that expand scientific frontiers. This strong funding base is diversified across federal agencies, industry, state and commodity groups, reflecting broad support for CALS research endeavors.
Global Recognition and Impact
CALS research programs rank among the best in the world. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Iowa State's agriculture and forestry programs were rated No. 12 globally (top 4% of 477 institutions) and No. 6 in the U.S. CALS operates global partnerships and international programs through its Office for Global Engagement, which has active research and development activities in over 40 countries.
$4 million in scholarships are offered to students annually
98% of graduates reported they were working, continuing their education or serving in the military within six months of graduating
4% CALS ranks among the top 4% worldwide among other agriculture and forestry programs
$249M in external research funding over last five years
Top 7 U.S. agricultural colleges for faculty with federal research grants
The Role
Iowa State University, one of the nation's leading land-grant institutions, seeks nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Director of the Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station. Iowa State seeks a proven leader who can build upon the College's strengths in plant and animal sciences, food and human nutrition, agricultural and biosystems engineering, social sciences, life sciences, and natural resources management in Iowa and throughout the world. Given these strengths, the Dean should effectively promote and champion the College to internal and external stakeholders, exhibit a passion for the convergent disciplines that fuel its success, and create a clear, strategic vision for advancing its research, teaching, and extension activities. Apart from the significant amount of unrestricted funds to use at the Dean's discretion, the successful candidate will hold the Endowed Deanship, a $4 million endowment of which the proceeds are used solely to support the Dean's priorities for the college. For more information about the College, visit www.cals.iastate.edu.
CALS faculty and their corresponding research programs are among the most highly cited in the world. CALS is comprised of 14 academic departments (8 jointly administered with another College) and 26 centers and institutes. Reporting to the university's Senior Vice President and Provost, the Dean provides forward-looking planning for the education of approximately 3,500 undergraduates and 550 graduate students. The College has a budget for teaching, research, and extension that exceeds $106 million.
The selected candidate must possess an earned doctoral degree and have a distinguished record that qualifies the candidate for tenure at the rank of full professor in one of the College's departments. They must also have:
• A vision for the teaching, research and outreach missions of a premier land-grant university;
• Demonstrated achievement working with individuals and stakeholder groups locally, nationally, and internationally, including commodity groups, to advance organizational priorities and strengthen partnerships;
• Leadership experience in a complex academic, governmental, or business organization; • A passion for improving agriculture and rural communities in Iowa;
• The ability to build and sustain internal and external collaborations; and
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
Preferred qualifications include extensive experience in private fund raising and securing philanthropic gifts to support student scholarships, academic programs, facilities, and research.
How to Apply
The Search Committee invites nominations, expressions of interest, or applications (a letter of interest, comprehensive curriculum vitae, and contact information of five or more references) which may be submitted in confidence to the Buffkin/Baker search firm:
Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner
Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner
isucalsdean@buffkinbaker.com
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, it is preferred that applications be submitted by October 5, 2026.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, creed, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.
Iowa State University (ISU) is a very special place and full of history. But what truly makes Iowa State unique is a rare combination of campus beauty, the opportunity to be a part of the land-grant mission, and the progressive and inventive spirit of the Cyclone experience.
The first class graduated in 1872. Iowa State established the nation's first state veterinary medicine school in 1879. In 1959, the college was officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
In addition to being classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University - Extensive, Iowa State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. Over 31,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 6,200 faculty and staff. Committed to its land-grant mission, the University is organized into eight colleges, including the Graduate College. The University provides a broad array of academic degree programs, including more than 100 bachelor's degree programs, one Professional -degree, over 100 master's programs, over 80 Ph.D. programs, and over 60 certificate programs. In FY 25, Iowa State secured $329.9 million in external research funding. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) was founded in 1858 and is the birthplace of the modern extension system.
The University's strategic plan is based upon four pillars: innovative solutions, education experience, community engagement, and knowledge & discovery. Intersected and interwoven throughout the pillars are its land-grant university hallmarks of teaching, research, service, and extension. Most importantly, the pillars give structure and direction on how the university will make a difference for its state and world in the years ahead.
Our Mission - Iowa State University will create, share, and apply knowledge to make our students, Iowa, and the world better.
Our Vision - Iowa State University will advance the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
Our Values - Iowa State University embraces the values of our Principles of Community (Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, Honest and Respectful Expression of Ideas) and the values of Access, Excellence, and Integrity.
Academics
More opportunities. More possibilities. More potential. With more than 100 majors to choose from, undergraduate students can customize their academic journey to maximize their impact in the world. From the first step on campus, they will be surrounded by world-renowned professors, resume-building opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Iowa State University offers graduate study in more than 180 graduate programs. Choose a full or part-time master's or doctoral degree, a campus-based or online master's degree, or even a certificate. For those who need to enhance credentials with additional coursework, or are simply interested in taking a class or two, a non-degree-seeking option can be considered. Students can discover and learn within small groups of peers and faculty in classes, seminars, labs, studios, and internship opportunities.
ISU Campus and Ames, IA
Fun things to do and endless places to visit. Unique shops and delicious dining. Concerts and performances featuring renowned and up-and-coming names.
Iowa State University and the city of Ames offer a perfect blend of arts, culture and entertainment with a stunning backdrop no matter the season - spring, summer, fall, and winter. Whether you're exploring campus or the Ames community, beauty and wonder are around every corner.
Ames, Iowa is a growing community of 65,000, located approximately 30 minutes north of Des Moines. Ames has 35 parks, 55 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, golf courses, lakes, and an aquatics center for outdoor recreation. Anchored by the beautiful Iowa State Campus and with a low cost of living, Ames is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
University Museums encompasses two art museums, a National Historic Landmark historic home museum, a sculpture garden, and one of the largest campus public art collections in the nation.
From the Wall Street Journal to Forbes Magazine, the city of Ames continually ranks among America's best cities to live, work, study, and play.
About the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is one of the world's leading institutions of agriculture, with more than 160 years of leadership in science, education and extension. The college educates future leaders, conducts mission-oriented research and shares new knowledge for the betterment of Iowa and the world. The college is one of eight colleges at Iowa State University, which is one of the most influential land grant universities in the nation. CALS at ISU is a comprehensive agricultural college, offering degrees and research programs in just about every aspect in the agricultural and rural space.
Iowa is a national and global leader in agriculture, with recognized strengths in food and renewable fuel production and a deep commitment to responsible resource stewardship. Across the state, influential leaders from agriculture, food, energy, conservation, and agribusiness-from small enterprises to major organizations-engage with our students, staff, and faculty.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers 28 undergraduate majors and 35 graduate programs in addition to hands-on opportunities for students to hone skills in leadership, communications and technical skills, within and across disciplines.
• The college hosts the nation's largest career fair and employers compete for its graduates: placement has been 97 percent or higher for 26 consecutive years.
• Approximately $4 million in scholarships are offered to students annually through the college and its departments.
• The college leads the campus in first-year retention rates and has the highest four-year graduation rate.
• Iowa State's agricultural and biosystems engineering programs consistently rank amongst the top programs nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report.
• CALS students interested in entrepreneurship can become involved in the Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences program.
• CALS manages 15 different research farms throughout the state, with more than 130 Iowa State faculty using the farms for various projects. In addition, 2,000 students receive hands-on learning experiences at the farms each year.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Program
The Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension program serves Iowans daily, delivering science-based information and education vital to farmers, businesses, communities and consumers. ANR engages with stakeholders to better understand needs, anticipate emerging issues, and inform future planning efforts. ANR is the largest unit in ISU Extension and Outreach, involving 84 faculty and staff in eight departments and 39 field specialists across Iowa. The ANR Extension network of campus-based state specialists and field specialists include natural resources, agricultural engineering, commercial horticulture, farm management, agronomists, agronomy, and livestock production beef specialists, swine specialists, and dairy specialists.
Advancing Science and Agriculture
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University drives research and discovery through its Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, building on 130+ years of national and international research leadership. CALS researchers span fields from agriculture, life sciences and social sciences, applying basic and applied science to tackle real-world problems. The Experiment Station's collaborative model supports research within CALS and across other Iowa State colleges and units, as well as with partners globally to fulfill the land-grant mission of improving agriculture and communities. The college is also a powerhouse in attracting competitive grants - it ranks in the top seven U.S. agricultural colleges for faculty with federal research grants and in the top ten for the total number of federal grants (2025 Academic Analytics). Over the last five years, CALS Experiment Station scientists have secured over $249 million (over $49 million annually) in external research funding (February 2025), fueling investigations that expand scientific frontiers. This strong funding base is diversified across federal agencies, industry, state and commodity groups, reflecting broad support for CALS research endeavors.
Global Recognition and Impact
CALS research programs rank among the best in the world. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Iowa State's agriculture and forestry programs were rated No. 12 globally (top 4% of 477 institutions) and No. 6 in the U.S. CALS operates global partnerships and international programs through its Office for Global Engagement, which has active research and development activities in over 40 countries.
$4 million in scholarships are offered to students annually
98% of graduates reported they were working, continuing their education or serving in the military within six months of graduating
4% CALS ranks among the top 4% worldwide among other agriculture and forestry programs
$249M in external research funding over last five years
Top 7 U.S. agricultural colleges for faculty with federal research grants
The Role
Iowa State University, one of the nation's leading land-grant institutions, seeks nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Director of the Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station. Iowa State seeks a proven leader who can build upon the College's strengths in plant and animal sciences, food and human nutrition, agricultural and biosystems engineering, social sciences, life sciences, and natural resources management in Iowa and throughout the world. Given these strengths, the Dean should effectively promote and champion the College to internal and external stakeholders, exhibit a passion for the convergent disciplines that fuel its success, and create a clear, strategic vision for advancing its research, teaching, and extension activities. Apart from the significant amount of unrestricted funds to use at the Dean's discretion, the successful candidate will hold the Endowed Deanship, a $4 million endowment of which the proceeds are used solely to support the Dean's priorities for the college. For more information about the College, visit www.cals.iastate.edu.
CALS faculty and their corresponding research programs are among the most highly cited in the world. CALS is comprised of 14 academic departments (8 jointly administered with another College) and 26 centers and institutes. Reporting to the university's Senior Vice President and Provost, the Dean provides forward-looking planning for the education of approximately 3,500 undergraduates and 550 graduate students. The College has a budget for teaching, research, and extension that exceeds $106 million.
The selected candidate must possess an earned doctoral degree and have a distinguished record that qualifies the candidate for tenure at the rank of full professor in one of the College's departments. They must also have:
• A vision for the teaching, research and outreach missions of a premier land-grant university;
• Demonstrated achievement working with individuals and stakeholder groups locally, nationally, and internationally, including commodity groups, to advance organizational priorities and strengthen partnerships;
• Leadership experience in a complex academic, governmental, or business organization; • A passion for improving agriculture and rural communities in Iowa;
• The ability to build and sustain internal and external collaborations; and
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
Preferred qualifications include extensive experience in private fund raising and securing philanthropic gifts to support student scholarships, academic programs, facilities, and research.
How to Apply
The Search Committee invites nominations, expressions of interest, or applications (a letter of interest, comprehensive curriculum vitae, and contact information of five or more references) which may be submitted in confidence to the Buffkin/Baker search firm:
Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner
Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner
isucalsdean@buffkinbaker.com
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, it is preferred that applications be submitted by October 5, 2026.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, creed, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.