Working/Functional Title
Chairperson, Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Position Summary
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 enrolls approximately 40,000 undergraduates and 11,000 graduate and professional students each year. More than 12,000 faculty and staff are employed at MSU, and its 17 degree-granting colleges – including allopathic (MD degree), osteopathic (DO degree), and veterinary (DVM degree) medical colleges – offer more than 400 academic programs of study. The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at MSU includes three clinical departments – Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, and Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation; two affiliated biomedical science departments – Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology and Pharmacology & Toxicology; and two service units -- the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL). More information on the University and College are available at https://cvm.msu.edu/about.
The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LCS) is home to 33 faculty including five endowed chairs, two University Distinguished Professors, one Red Cedar Distinguished Professor, thirteen assistant professors, and several faculty with joint appointments in MSU Extension, AgBioResearch, and biomedical or agricultural departments. Our faculty are educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and providing outstanding clinical services.
LCS clinical and research resources include the VMC, offering elective and emergency care for horses, cattle, other food and fiber species, and large exotic species; the Pegasus Critical Care Center for clinical cases requiring isolation precautions; the Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center for clinical evaluation and research of equine performance; and the new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center that will house approximately 680 cows and features precision feeding systems, robotic milking, labs, and dedicated instructional space for students and veterinary hands-on training.
The next LCS Chairperson is to be a visible, accessible, and empathic leader who fosters a sense of purpose, promotes shared governance, and leads with humility, listening first and rallying others around a shared vision. This is an opportunity to lead a dynamic department poised to help define the future of large animal veterinary medicine at MSU and beyond. The LCS Chairperson will have a 50% administrative appointment, with the remaining time available for service, teaching, research, and/or outreach.
Responsibilities
The LCS Chairperson is expected to:
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the department
- Communicate effectively in written, verbal, and interpersonal forms
- Set clear expectations and foster an environment in which they can be met
- Promote faculty mentorship and support personnel development across a wide spectrum of roles and responsibilities
- Model and promote an environment that is welcoming to all and prioritizes kindness, collegiality, accountability, and professionalism
- Foster collaboration and cohesiveness within the department, championing shared governance and team-based success
- Ensure strong teaching and student outcomes
- Address declining student interest in large animal practice through novel programming and sustained outreach
- Engage with stakeholders both internal and external to the organization, representing the department to veterinary and agricultural communities at the state, national, and international levels
- Promote educational, research, and clinical opportunities aligned with University and College priorities
- Work with the College Development team and Directors of the VMC and VDL to support departmental growth and visibility
- Create strategic collaborations with the medical colleges, biomedical and animal science departments, and related units to amplify One Team, One Health engagement and impact
If you have any questions, please contact the search committee chairperson, Dr. Susan Ewart (
ewarts@msu.edu). Review of applicants will begin as early as October 3, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Veterinary Medicine or equivalent
Desired Degree
Other -Advanced graduate degree (PhD, MS, MPH, or equivalents) or professional certification
Minimum Requirements
- Earned doctoral degree in veterinary medicine (DVM or equivalent)
- Knowledge of the animal agriculture landscape
- Ability to articulate a vision for the future of large animal veterinary medicine
- Strong record of accomplishment and advancing knowledge in at least two of the academic missions of service, research, teaching, and/or outreach
- Excellent and timely written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to effectively engage with others and collaborate within team settings
- Experience successfully leading groups or programs, managing budgets, and managing personnel
- Experience mentoring colleagues and trainees, fostering their professional growth and career advancement
- Ability to model and foster an environment of kindness, collegiality, professional citizenship, and collaboration
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in large animal clinical medicine
- Board certification in an AVMA-recognized specialization relevant to large animals
- Earned advanced graduate degree (PhD, MS, MPH, or equivalents) or professional certification
- Experience in formal leadership positions
- Record of successfully leading, representing, and advocating for teams or groups
- Familiarity with the various types of external stakeholders, including commodity groups, producers, and government and regulatory agencies
- Media relations and communications training and experience
Required Application Materials
To apply for this position, please submit the following materials through the Michigan State University online submission system (MSU Applicant Page) at
https://careers.msu.edu/jobs/search 1) a statement of interest highlighting qualifications, professional accomplishments, experiences pertinent to the position, and leadership philosophy; 2) curriculum vitae; and 3) the names and addresses of three professional references, one of whom should be a current or former mentee or person you supervise(d).
Review of Applications Begins On
10/03/2025
Website
cvm.msu.edu
Department Statement
The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LCS) is in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. Our faculty provide patient care, conduct research, and train students on agricultural and other large animals. This work includes animal models of human diseases and the interactions between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Faculty work closely with students pursuing DVM degrees, veterinarians in internship and residency programs, and MS and PhD students. Learning to better understand, prevent, 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.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
