2006 Call for Applications
Endowed Chair in Agricultural Systems 2006
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
COLLEGE OF FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES
THE SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE ENDOWED CHAIR
IN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
REQUEST FOR 2006 APPLICATIONS
The University of Minnesota proudly announces the fifth recruitment for the School of Agriculture Endowed Chair in Agricultural Systems. The innovative Chair, which is supported by a $1.8 million endowment, embodies a dynamic, interactive, multi-disciplinary approach to agricultural issues. From its location in one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, the Chair represents a strategic opportunity to explore and influence the future of Minnesota agriculture at a time when it must increasingly respond to both global markets and local opportunities. Many important questions need attention. What market forces are affecting rural Minnesota? How can local and global perspectives be addressed simultaneously? How will changing energy prices affect farming and food systems? These questions are among those that form a dynamic background for a wide range of opportunities for the Chair's activities.
Duties: The Chair is designed to play the role of catalyst for innovation and progress on agricultural issues within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and throughout the State of Minnesota. Duties may include engaging citizens of the State in a dialogue on agricultural issues; helping facilitate interaction among industry, government, academic institutions, non-profits, and farmers; and conducting seminars and guest lectures, research, writing, or other scholarly activities on those issues.
Focus: The focus of the Chair will be on the role of agriculture in developing sustainable rural communities, landscapes, and food systems. The position provides great latitude for candidates to define their particular activities within this context, but it is intended to address:
The long-term societal value of rural communities and healthy agricultural landscapes
Identification of current and potential relationships between agriculture and rural communities, landscapes, and food systems
Models for sustainable agricultural systems at the local level in an international context
Qualifications: Candidates must have:
A record of significant experience and demonstrated leadership in agriculture, rural development, or related fields; excellent communication skills; and a broad systems perspective of agriculture and rural development.
A demonstrated interest in the issues confronting agriculture and an expressed vision for the future of rural communities are also desired.
Consideration will also be given to appointment of project teams to fill the Chair. Candidates from the academic, agribusiness, farming, government, and non-profit sectors are encouraged to apply. There are no formal degree requirements for the position.
Terms: The position will be a Senior Fellow appointment within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences with a flexible appointment of a few weeks to a year in duration. Appointed individuals will be housed in the appropriate academic department. Salary and courtesy faculty rank (if applicable) are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position can be used to match sabbatical opportunities from home institutions and organizations.
Application: For the appointment, to begin in Fall 2006, Winter, Spring or Summer 2007, applications should be received by Tuesday, July 11, 2006. Applications will be accepted any time, however, and all applications will be kept on file and referenced as specific topics are identified for the Chair program. The position will be re-announced as funding availability and chair vacancies occur.
Applicants should send a two-page proposal describing reasons for interest in the Chair, initial thoughts on what accomplishments the applicant would hope to achieve if selected for the position, and salary and support requests. A cover letter, a resume or curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references should accompany the proposal.
Applicants and inquiries should be directed to:
Helene Murray, Co-Chair, Search Committee
Marvin Johnson, Co-Chair, Search Committee
University of Minnesota
Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture
411 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108-1013
Phone: (612) 625-8235 or 1-800-909-MISA (6472)
Fax: (612) 625-1268
E-mail: misamail@umn.edu
Sustainable agriculture strives for a balance between a healthy environment, profitability for farmers, and thriving rural communities for generations to come. A listing of previous chair holders may be found at www.misa.umn.edu/vd/endowed.htm#previous
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Date: May 2, 2006
MISA
411 Borlaug Hall
1991 Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
612-625-8235
800-909-6472
fax: 612-625-1268
misamail@umn.edu
