Eldon Gideon Dean of Agriculture

Kansas State University seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to advance the missions of the College of Agriculture by serving as the next Eldon Gideon Dean. The successful candidate must have the experience and vision to inspire, guide, and facilitate the College's faculty and staff in the advancement of high-quality teaching, research, engagement, and extension while providing leadership that assures the integrity, excellence, relevance, and success of the College's multi-faceted programs. The Dean reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President, Jesse Perez Mendez, and serves as a member of the Academic Leadership Council and Deans Council.

This position is ideal for a cutting edge, learner-centric leader with a proven history of successful growth initiatives, strong partnership and collaboration skills, strategic vision, and results-focused leadership. The next Dean is expected to grow the College's excellence in teaching, research, extension, and engagement; promote a team-oriented leadership approach; drive further development and growth in enrollment, disciplines, and degrees; and cultivate internal and external partnerships to advance the College's Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan.

• Utilizing the new Agricultural Innovation Initiative, a $220 million construction project scheduled to be completed by fall of 2026, which includes the construction of three new buildings: the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, and the Bilbrey Family Event Center
• Partnering with the University's Executive Vice President for External Engagement and Chief of Staff, Marshall Stewart, in enhancing an environment that promotes community-engaged scholarship and delivers innovative and relevant education through extension to the residents in the state's 105 counties
• Building on and expanding partnerships with community colleges and other 4-year institutions to expand agricultural education;
• Expanding and strengthening existing partnerships between the Manhattan and Olathe campuses in urban food systems and the Food as Medicine initiative
• Leveraging K-State's new research foundation infrastructure and architecture to expand university-industry collaborations, partnerships and licensing

For more information about this opportunity, position expectations, and the local community view the executive profile.

At K-State, passion drives our purpose. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to the meaningful impact of their work, collectively shaping the future of our next-generation land-grant university. Every employee plays a vital role in advancing our mission, touching the lives of Kansans and communities worldwide. Through our research, teaching, and service, we strive to create positive change and realize K-State's vision of becoming a leading land-grant institution.

As part of Kansas State University, a comprehensive R1, land-grant institution, the College of Agriculture is devoted to excellence in teaching, research, extension, and engagement. The College is fully committed to advancing the University's land-grant mission and its vision to become a Next-Generation Land-Grant University.

This position is on-site.

• An earned doctorate in one of the disciplines represented in the College, or in a closely related field

• A strong record of distinguished academic achievement in teaching, research, and/or extension which merits appointment as a tenured, full professor in one of the College's departments, with evidence of professional distinction and national or international recognition in their field.
• Demonstrated success as an innovative and strategic leader with the ability to plan, coordinate, articulate, and execute a strategic vision and initiatives while engaging others.
• Demonstrated success as a strategic and creative planner and as a relationship builder with exceptional collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
• A proven record as a successful administrator in higher education, with responsibility for guiding strategy, managing finances, evaluating personnel, motivating faculty and staff, acquiring and allocating resources, engaging external constituencies, and fostering teamwork to create collaborative relationships across varying groups.
• Demonstrated success in fund development and external fundraising.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to all aspects of the land-grant mission, including teaching, research, extension, and engagement.
• A recognition and appreciation for educational access and opportunities in a positive working environment.

• A proven ability to develop and implement successful
  interdisciplinary and/or international programs
• A proven ability to initiate, lead, and facilitate transformational change and innovation initiatives, be adaptable with changing conditions, and comfortable with the ambiguity that accompanies a large public university.
• Firm grasp of the opportunities and advantages of a land-grant university with R1 status
• A history of building, enhancing, and sustaining partnerships across a university, local communities, state, region, and nation.
• Understanding of and commitment to shared governance to achieve college and university-wide goals.

Buffkin / Baker is assisting K-State with this search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received no later than November 24, 2025. Candidates should provide a letter of application describing their interest and qualifications for the position, current vita, a one-page leadership statement, and five references. References will not be contacted without permission. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Nominations and application materials should be sent electronically via email to Martin Baker and Chelsie Whitelock of Buffkin / Baker at ksudeanofag@buffkinbaker.com.

For best consideration, apply by November 24, 2025

Commensurate with experience