Description

Colorado State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture (HLA) in the College of Agricultural Sciences. This full time, 12-month, tenured faculty position offers an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to advance a department that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) within the art and practice of horticulture, environmental horticulture, and landscape architecture. As stewards of the natural environment, landscape architects, environmental horticulturalists, and horticultural scientists apply the STEM disciplines to create sustainable, resilient, and health-supportive environments. The Department Head will lead these transdisciplinary efforts, promoting excellence in teaching, research, creative scholarship, and extension. This leadership will foster collaborations across CSU and with external partners, including research center faculty and staff, alumni, industry professionals, government agencies, professional organizations, and advisory boards.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar and collaborative leader who can articulate and execute a strategic vision for a department that bridges environmental sciences, design innovation, and human well-being. The Department Head will foster a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to guiding the department’s strategic plan and ensuring alignment with CSU’s land-grant mission. The Head will work closely with faculty, staff, and students to secure resources, strengthen academic programs, and position the department at the forefront of landscape architecture, environmental horticulture, and horticulture research and education. The Head is responsible for the evaluation and professional development of faculty, administrative staff, and Academic Success Coordinators (advisors), as well as for the development, management, and oversight of the department’s budget.

Working collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders, including the horticulture industry, food and green industry groups, and professional organizations in landscape architecture, the Head will guide a program that is strategic, innovative, and responsive to emerging opportunities in research, teaching, outreach, and engagement.

The position also provides opportunities for personal engagement in research, teaching or creative scholarship, consistent with the administrative responsibilities of the role.

Requirements

Required Job Qualifications:

Candidates for the Department Head position must demonstrate:

• Earned terminal degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field (e.g., horticulture, plant science, agriculture, environmental horticulture, landscape architecture, community planning).
• Sustained record of scholarly achievement (teaching, research, and/or engagement) commensurate with the rank of Full Professor.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing people and resources to sustain academic and scholarly programs.
• Proven record of engagement with industry professionals and stakeholders to promote research, extension, outreach, and industry partnerships consistent with the Land-Grant mission.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to administer a complex organization with transparency, equity, and fiscal responsibility.
• Proven capacity to develop and implement a strategic vision through an inclusive and collaborative process.
• Commitment to fostering a highly collaborative and innovative environment.
• Record of effective mentorship and professional development for faculty and staff.
• Exceptional communication and advocacy skills.