Department Head and Professor - Plant Pathology

Position Summary

The Department of Plant Pathology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ( CAES ) at the University of Georgia is accepting nominations and applications for the position of Department Head. The position reports to the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ( CAES ) and will be stationed at the Athens campus. Faculty rank will be at the full professor level on a 9-month academic-year appointment with a guarantee of 2 months of additional summer salary.

The Department Head provides leadership, advocacy, and vision for the department’s internationally recognized programs in teaching, research, Extension, and outreach at the Athens, Tifton, and Griffin campuses. Major responsibilities include:

• Building upon the strong existing foundation, provide vision and leadership that continues the rise, prominence and reputation of the UGA / CAES Plant Pathology department. Ensure that strength and opportunity exist across all three mission areas of teaching, research and extension, as well across all three UGA / CAES campus locations of Athens, Griffin and Tifton.
• Support and enhance the department’s interdisciplinary and integrative research and Extension programs in fundamental and applied plant pathology. Provide coaching and mentoring for faculty and support their grantsmanship and professional development. This position is also responsible for annual faculty performance evaluations.
• Lead and oversee the department’s teaching and academic programs. Encourage a culture that supports excellence in student mentoring and success. Assign faculty teaching responsibilities and oversee the development and evaluation of academic programs and curricula.
• Administer and manage the allocation of departmental resources (fiscal, human, facilities, and capital) at the Athens campus; and, likewise, in collaboration with the CAES Assistant Deans and the departmental Research, Extension, and Instruction Coordinators – at the Tifton and Griffin campuses. Play a proactive role in increasing extramural support for these programs; assist and mentor faculty in obtaining gifts, grants, and contracts.
• Administer, coordinate, and develop a culture that supports student mentoring and success in next-generation science, inclusive of our world-recognized faculty and staff. Foster positive working relationships among faculty, staff, and students within and outside the department.
• Participate in the development of policy and strategic planning in the college. Maintain relationships with the other disciplines at the university, agricultural organizations, state, and federal agencies, and with leaders of the agricultural industry.
• As a tenured Plant Pathology faculty member, actively contribute to the research, Extension, and/or teaching mission of the department.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Wayne Parrott, Chair of the Search Committee ( wparrott@uga.edu ). Materials to be uploaded include i) a formal letter stating the applicant’s qualifications for the position and a statement of leadership philosophy with specific examples of how it has been demonstrated; ii) curriculum vitae; and iii) names and contact information of four professional references (referees will not be contacted without further communication with the applicant). Selected applicants will be required to submit transcripts and a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

Applications received by January 15, 2025, are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2236P

Working Title

Department Head and Professor - Plant Pathology

Department

CAES-Plant Pathology

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The mission of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is to seek, verify, and apply knowledge related to agriculture and the environment, and to disseminate this knowledge through student education and public outreach programs. CAES is among the best and most established colleges of agriculture in the U.S. In its classrooms, its Agricultural Experiment Stations, and its statewide network of UGA Cooperative Extension offices, the faculty, and staff of CAES are dedicated to discovering, teaching, and delivering the science required for healthy living to flourish in Georgia. Agricultural and environmental sciences are only as important as the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and the water and air around you. To improve the quality and guard the safety of life’s necessities, the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has gathered world-renowned scientists and exceptional students. See https://www.caes.uga.edu/ for additional information.

With nearly 30 faculty and over 60 graduate students across our three campuses, we are one of the largest departments of plant pathology in the U.S. The department is recognized internationally for its comprehensive and integrative research and outreach portfolio, spanning basic, translational, and applied programs. Our scientists ensure the economic viability of agriculture, the largest sector of Georgia’s economy, and contribute to national and global food security by reducing crop losses. Equally important, our research increases the understanding of basic biology through discoveries in pathogen biology, resistance genetics, and host-pathogen interactions.

College/Unit/Department website

https://plantpath.caes.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Anticipated Start Date

04/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

12/04/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Department Chair/Head AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Professor

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : A Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a related discipline.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements: Demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and/or Extension are required. Current or previous rank of associate professor or professor with tenure.

Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as a full professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrable national reputation to the institution. To be considered for the rank of professor, candidates must have at least five full years in rank at the associate professor level. Specific criteria for professor level in the Department of Plant Pathology are summarized at https://provost.uga.edu/_resources/documents/promotion-tenure-evaluation/ptu-criteria-plant-pathology.pdf

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS : Current or previous rank of professor with tenure. At least two years of higher education administrative experience is desirable.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents