UA launches national search for dean of Bumpers College

The University of Arkansas has initiated the search for the next dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

The selected candidate will also hold the position of senior associate vice president for academic programs for the Division of Agriculture. Provost Terry Martin has appointed Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development, to lead the search committee.

“We are delighted to have Mike Malone leading the search, as his expertise and guidance will facilitate the identification of a highly qualified candidate pool capable of leading Bumpers College, strengthening our collaboration with the Division of Agriculture, and driving significant economic impact within our state,” Martin said in a UA news release Wednesday (May 24).

Search committee members are:

• Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development (chair)
• Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering
• David Caldwell, head of the Department of Poultry Science and director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science
• Jacquelyn Mosley, professor in human development and family sciences and Bumpers College assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Ioannis Tzanetakis, professor of plant virology in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and director of the Arkansas Clean Plant Center for Berries
• Kelly Way, associate professor of hospitality management and assistant director of Bumpers College’s School of Human Environmental Sciences
• Griffiths Atungulu, associate professor of grain process and post-harvest systems engineering in the Department of Food Science, and director the UA Rice Processing Program
• Amanda McWhirt, associate professor and horticulture extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture
• Kelly Vierck, assistant professor of meat science and muscle biology in the Department of Animal Science
• Nathan Kemper, teaching associate professor and assistant department head for undergraduate programs and online instruction in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
• Robby Edwards, director of communications for Bumpers College
• Shelby Hanson, department fiscal manager for the Department of Horticulture
• Nathan Reed, owner of Nathan B. Reed Farms
• Archie Schaffer III, consultant for Tyson Foods

According to the release, the incoming dean of Bumpers College, in conjunction with the role of senior associate vice president for academic programs for the Division of Agriculture, will continue the institution’s rich scholarly legacy and enhance its national standing by attracting top-tier students, faculty, and staff. The desired candidate is an innovative leader who will cultivate robust relationships across the college, campus, and wider community.

As an integral member of the university’s leadership team, the dean of Bumpers College and the senior associate vice president for academic programs for the Division of Agriculture will contribute to the advancement of its land-grant mission. In the capacity of dean, the individual will report to the provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, while as senior associate vice president for academic programs, they will report to the vice president of the Division of Agriculture.

“The initiation of the search for a new dean for the Bumpers College is highly encouraging,” remarked Vice President for Agriculture Deacue Fields, who previously served as dean before assuming his current position.

“With both the college and industry witnessing growth and increased demand for its graduates, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of a dynamic leader well-versed in agriculture, who will foster student growth and further strengthen this vital component of Arkansas’ land-grant mission,” Fields added. “The Bumpers dean serves as a crucial bridge connecting the Fayetteville campus with the research and extension work carried out within the Division of Agriculture.”

The search for the dean of Bumpers College and the senior associate vice president for academic programs for the Division of Agriculture is a nationwide undertaking. Interested individuals can access the job description and submit applications here.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 19. Campus interviews are anticipated to be conducted in September and October 2023.