A national search is now underway to identify the next dean of the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UD President Dennis Assanis and Provost Laura Carlson announced today.

A search advisory committee has been appointed, and an executive search firm retained.

In announcing the appointment of the search advisory committee, Assanis said, “CANR’s commitment to teaching, research and community service is deeply rooted in UD’s status as a land-grant institution, stretching back more than 150 years. I am confident that through this search process, we can identify a dynamic and dedicated leader who can foster a shared vision to advance the reach and impact of the college for the future.”

The dean reports directly to the provost, and Carlson noted, “The college is well regarded for its contributions to addressing the challenges to agriculture, our global environment and sustainability. As we look for the next dean, we seek an innovative and collaborative leader who can foster academic excellence through research and educational programs that are designed for impact and community outreach.”

Co-chairing the search advisory committee for the next dean are Martin Heintzelman, department chair and professor of applied economics and statistics, and Michael Chajes, dean of the Honors College.

Members of the search committee are:

• Amy Biddle, associate professor of animal and food sciences
• Jake Bowman, department chair and professor of entomology and wildlife ecology
• Mark Isaacs, director of the Carvel Research and Education Center and associate professor of plant and soil sciences
• Yan Jin, Edward and Elizabeth Rosenberg Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences
• Thanduanlung Kamei, graduate student in plant and soil sciences
• Kali Kniel, professor of animal and food sciences
• John Long, executive vice president and chief operating officer
• Kyle McCarthy, associate professor of entomology and wildlife ecology
• Kent Messer, S. Hallock du Pont Professor of Applied Economics and Statistics
• Holly Michael, director of the Delaware Environmental Institute and professor of Earth sciences, College of Earth, Ocean and Environment
• Ria Patel, undergraduate student in animal and food sciences
• Tony Seraphin, associate professor of applied economics and statistics
• Angelia Seyfferth, associate dean of research and professor of plant and soil sciences
• Michael Vaughan, vice provost for equity
• Jennifer Volk, associate director of Cooperative Extension

Assisting with the search will be Education Executives, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in searches for higher education leadership.

For more than 150 years, the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has invested in its tripartite, land-grant mission of research, education and extension. CANR is conducting innovative research that will shape the future of our food and our planet, constantly developing new knowledge and bringing that knowledge to the public. Large enrollment numbers show that interest in studying agriculture and natural resources is high. The college’s alumni are successful scientists, growers, wildlife biologists, veterinarians, agribusiness leaders, statisticians and policy makers among many other essential careers.