University of Kentucky

Job Title Plant Pathology Department Chair and Faculty Appointment in the Regular or Extension Title Series

Requisition Number FE04495

Working Title Plant Pathology department Chair

Department Name 81120:PLANT PATHOLOGY

Work Location Lexington, KY

Type of Position Faculty

Position Time Status Full-Time

Tenure Track Status Tenure Track

Required Education

Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline appropriate for faculty appointment in Plant Pathology at the Professor rank in the research or extension title series.

Required Related Experience

The demonstration of national/international recognition of excellence in instruction, research, and/or extension is expected.

Demonstration of leadership in developing departmental programs, stimulating extramural funding and/or philanthropic investments directly and through faculty activity, and fiscal management are anticipated.

Required License/Registration/Certification

Not Applicable

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, seeks a dynamic and visionary department chair of the Department of Plant Pathology (https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu). As a land-grant university, we value a demonstrated commitment towards integrating research, instruction, and Extension programs, as well as keen dedication to the needs of the people of the Commonwealth. The Martin-Gatton CAFE is home to 14 academic departments and over 2,000 undergraduates, and it maintains research facilities at multiple locations across Kentucky.

The successful candidate will have an earned Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline appropriate for faculty appointment in Plant Pathology at the Professor rank in a research or extension title series. The demonstration of national/international recognition of excellence in instruction, research, and/or extension is expected. Demonstration of leadership in developing departmental programs, stimulating extramural funding and/or philanthropic investments directly and through faculty activity, and fiscal management are anticipated. Strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary to foster collaboration and lead a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment are essential. Evidence demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the belonging of students, faculty, and staff is expected. The department chair will be able to lead a department of international stature, as well as embrace the full scope of the land-grant mission, including research, instruction, extension, and service.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

The Department Chair administrative duties and responsibilities are found in many parts of the university’s governing and administrative regulations with highlights including, but not limited to:

• Academic leadership, including faculty hiring and development, staff hiring, annual performance reviews, two- and four-year pre-tenure reviews, dossier preparation, curriculum changes and development, overall faculty mentorship, fostering an environment that promotes professional growth, academic integrity, and well-being of all members of the Department, periodic program reviews/implementation, accreditation (as appropriate), as well as institutional and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reporting.
• Representation of the department in the Academic Unit Leaders Forum (AULF) of the American Phytopathological Society and on the NCAC14 Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group for Plant Pathology Chairs and Heads
• Development and oversight of departmental strategic planning.
• Fiscal analysis and strategic financial management, fiscal and reporting accountability to a variety of funding sources and entities, and compliance with business procedures.
• Communication with internal and external stakeholders in support of timely information dissemination related to plant diseases of local, regional, and national importance.
• Development and promotion of collaborative relationships with Extension Specialists and County Agents, commodity groups and other stakeholders to advance knowledge in plant pathology
• Leadership in grant development and funding, as well as philanthropic efforts.
• Infusing innovative entrepreneurial activities for each mission area and across mission areas.
• Leadership in improving the delivery of instructional mission of the department, including developing new undergraduate and graduate curricula with online and in-person, high enrollment courses.
• Compliance with university governing and administrative regulations.
• Build and maintain a departmental culture that strives to increase belonging and collegiality among all community members

Applicant Documents

1. Cover Letter that includes a statement of strategic vision, administrative experience, and leadership philosophy, including responsibilities previously described. Also include Contact information for at least three (3) professional references who can address in their professional judgment your performance in advancing your scholarly field, the significance of the venues in which you have been published, the grants you have been involved with, instructional accomplishments, and the service performed. Please also indicate your relationship to the reference (up to 4 pages).
2. Curriculum Vita that includes a list of publications, grants received, and records of teaching, extension, and service (no page limit).
3. Statement on research up to 1 page (upload under Special Request 1).
4. Statement on teaching/instruction up to 1 page (upload under Special Request 2).
5. Statement on extension up to 1 page (upload under Special Request 3).

Review of applicants will begin May 1, 2025, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Contact: Dr. S Reddy Palli (rpalli@uky.edu) with any questions.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary to foster collaboration and lead a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment are essential. Evidence demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the belonging of students, faculty, and staff is expected.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply

Open Until Filled Yes

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.