Dean, University of Tennessee Extension

Position Description

The University of Tennessee (UT) seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as the Dean of UT Extension and help UT fulfill its mission as a modern land grant university. UT Extension is one of four units of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) and the UT Extension Dean is administratively responsible to UTIA’s Senior Vice Chancellor / Senior Vice President. The UT Extension Dean works collaboratively with UTIA’s administrative leadership team, which includes the Deans of UT AgResearch, the Herbert College of Agriculture, and the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, to fulfill UTIA’s research, teaching, and outreach missions. The UT Extension Dean, in cooperation with the Extension Administrator at Tennessee State University, is responsible for the comprehensive administration of the statewide Extension system, which maintains an office in all 95 Tennessee counties and addresses grand challenges in Tennessee through programs and services in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Community Economic Development.

A detailed prospectus regarding this position can be found at . Additional information on UT Extension programs, services, and personnel is available at , while more information on UTIA is available at .

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategic Vision : Provide vision and leadership to UT Extension by leading the development and implementation of strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives aligned with UTIA and UT missions, visions, and values. Set and drive a forward-thinking agenda to strengthen UT Extension’s statewide impact and ensure its continued growth and relevance in serving Tennessee communities.
• Operational, Budget, and Resource Management : Oversee the day-to-day operations of UT Extension, including budget management, resource allocation, staffing, and program evaluation. Ensure that all programs are efficiently delivered and meet high standards of quality. Support and promote the pursuit of extramural awards, contracts, and gifts and work to identify new revenue streams and develop relationships with donors and partners. Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Program Development and Evaluation : Foster the development of innovative, high-quality educational programs that address the needs of diverse audiences, including farmers, families, youth, and industry and community leaders in Tennessee and beyond. Actively promote equitable access to Extension programs and resources. Support international programming efforts and encourage Extension involvement in UTIA and UT global efforts. Evaluate program outcomes and impact, using data to guide future improvements and investments.
• Faculty and Staff Leadership : Recruit, support, and retain highly qualified faculty and staff. Encourage professional development, mentoring, and a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Promote an inclusive and positive work environment. Ensure effective communication within Extension and with other UTIA and UT units. Delegate effectively to focus own efforts on strategic leadership while promoting effective, efficient decision-making and capacity building within the organization.
• Institutional and Cultural Leadership : Serve as a member of the UTIA administrative leadership team, working collaboratively with peers to achieve collective success across UTIA, while operating in a respectful, open, and transparent manner. Work continuously and collaboratively to build a culture that embodies UTIA’s values and the values of the modern land grant mission.
• Collaboration and Partnerships : Strengthen the partnerships between UT Extension and other UTIA and UT units to increase the effectiveness and reach of Extension programs and ensure the collective success of UTIA in fulfilling its land grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach. Identify and encourage cross-functional programming to enhance Extension offerings in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Community Economic Development. Promote collaborative efforts with national and international extension networks to ensure alignment with state and national priorities.
• External Relations and Advocacy : Serve as UT Extension’s primary advocate within UT and across the state, building strong relationships with county governments, state agencies, community organizations, business and industry partners, and other stakeholders. Lead and support fundraising and grant-seeking efforts to support the Extension mission.
• Research and Scholarship : Promote the use of research-based approaches in UT Extension programs by supporting applied research by Extension professionals and encouraging partnerships with researchers within UTIA, UT, and beyond, to support UT Extension’s statewide educational programs.

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications