| Michigan State University (MSU), the nation’s pioneer land-grant university, is one of the top research universities in the world. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic departments, residential colleges, and service-learning programs, MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists, alumni, and leaders. The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LCS) is educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and providing the finest clinical services available. Our diverse faculty focuses on areas ranging from dairy, food animal, and specialized equine services to intensive research and student training. They work closely with students pursuing DVM degrees, veterinarians in internship and residency programs, and MS and PhD students. Learning to better understand, diagnose, and treat disease takes place in some of the most advanced facilities and laboratories. Faculty and students work together to find new solutions and put them into practice for a better world. The MSU community has a long history of collegiality that fosters collaborations across many different academic disciplines and with off-campus stakeholders. Similarly, the role of the LCS Chairperson will be to foster and promote a collaborative environment that extends well beyond the college. The ideal candidate will be encouraged to embrace opportunities to network with other campus-based units such as the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, AgBioResearch, and various research centers and departments with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources with the goal of building and delivering impactful programs to better serve students and stakeholders. The department faculty are uniquely positioned to network with off-campus entities such as Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Animal Health Foundation, Michigan commodity organizations, and food-animal producers to generate advancements in the health and well-being of large animals. The successful candidate will be expected to not only foster these existing relationships, but also explore other collaborative opportunities with the goal of enhancing the department’s research and educational programs. At a time of significant change to traditional paradigms of veterinary education, service, and research, we seek candidates who will actively lead the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences through the implementation of a new curriculum and AVMA COE accreditation process. The Chairperson will help shape the future of the Department with a focus on advancing educational, clinical service, research, and faculty development goals. The Chairperson will have a 50% administrative commitment, and the remaining commitment provides for the opportunity to pursue teaching, clinical service, research, outreach or other interests. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience through roles requiring strong management, financial, and administrative skills. We seek candidates who are committed to shared governance and are willing to listen and learn to faculty and staff, while acting decisively in the best interests of the whole. The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences is experiencing a shift in mission areas. Applicants should demonstrate success in program-building in areas including, but not limited to research, clinical, or educational programs, such as fundraising, grantsmanship, and/or collaboration with industry, stakeholders and government agencies. As a department with a dedicated, progressive faculty and staff, the candidate will be able to creatively support faculty and staff with non-traditional career tracks and provide flexibility to allow faculty to develop their areas of strength. Additionally, the Chairperson should be committed to equal opportunity and diversity through both understanding of obstacles faced by underrepresented faculty groups and action to ensure the success of all faculty, house officers, staff and students. Of critical importance, the leader of the Department must have a demonstrated record of exceptional communication skills as a listener, writer, and speaker. We seek candidates who approach leadership with a philosophy of shared success through mentorship, personnel development, and advocacy for the Department and its faculty, staff and house officers. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an accessible and engaging leadership style, actively seeking feedback and input from the members of the Department. As a leader, the Chairperson will convey vision and purpose to students, house officers, staff, faculty, administration, alumni, and external constituencies. Furthermore, the ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity, patience, resilience, and energy, paired with uncompromising standards of excellence. OUTREACH The LCS Chairperson must actively engage with multiple stakeholders both internally and externally with regards to the university. Developing new educational, clinical, outreach and research opportunities for all department employees aligned with University, College, and VMC priorities is a key responsibility. Identifying and pursuing financial support from industry, the veterinary community, and philanthropic sources will be important. In support and development of programs within the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, the Chairperson will work closely with the College Director of Development and Director of the Veterinary Medical Center and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. This will require a collaborative spirit and a willingness to actively and enthusiastically engage in development/advancement activities to benefit the College, Department, and the Veterinary Medical Center. The Chairperson will foster a shared sense of purpose within the department, with a deep appreciation and understanding of the role that a large public university plays in the vitality of surrounding communities locally, regionally and nationally. The Chairperson must be willing to actively engage with the veterinary community beyond the College, keeping abreast of emerging new trends and expectations from students, animal owners, producers, veterinary practitioners and society in general. The practice of veterinary medicine is becoming increasingly competitive, and the candidate will be expected to work with the VMC Director to remain competitive and to ensure that owners/producers are aware of the full spectrum of care available at the VMC. The Chairperson will cultivate partnerships with public and private veterinary organizations and practices as well as industry at local, regional, state, and national levels. Identifying and implementing opportunities to expand the College’s reach, including the Training Center for Dairy Professionals, and developing other unique and creative opportunities to meet MSU missions will be an important aspect of the Chairperson’s work. |
