Position Summary
Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a collaborative, strategic, and forward-looking leader to serve as Chairperson of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. This is a compelling and energizing opportunity to join a nationally recognized department at a pivotal moment defined by strong momentum, meaningful investment, and a shared commitment to advancing the future of veterinary medicine.
The Department is distinguished by its breadth across species, disciplines, and mission areas, as well as the strength of its community. The department is supported by an accomplished, collaborative faculty who are committed to their students, their work, and the College’s mission. Their efforts are enabled by exceptional facilities, including the Veterinary Medical Center, the Pegasus Critical Care Center, the Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center, the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, and other Teaching and Research Centers.
The department operates within a dynamic ecosystem spanning the university, state government, and industry. MSU’s partnerships with state agencies, agricultural leaders, and allied industries create opportunities for applied research, policy engagement, and real-world impact, reinforcing the university’s land-grant mission. MSU and the state of Michigan have been recognized nationally for their collaborative approach to handling emerging animal health issues, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The timing of this role is especially exciting. The College is advancing a significant capital campaign, including plans for a new veterinary college and hospital, offering the next Chair the opportunity to help shape the future of veterinary medicine. At the same time, the department is navigating important priorities, including strengthening clinical capacity, addressing workforce needs in rural and underserved areas, enhancing integration across mission areas, and responding to emerging trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Within this context, the Chair will play a central role in bringing people together around a shared vision for the future. This role is well suited for a leader who values listening, partnership, and community; someone who can engage faculty across diverse roles, build alignment, and help the department fully realize its collective strengths.
The Chairperson of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences serves as the academic,administrative, and strategic leader of a dynamic department spanning clinical service, research, teaching,and outreach. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Chair will advance thedepartment’s mission while fostering a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and professionalcitizenship. This is an exciting opportunity to join a talented community and help shape the future of adepartment with broad impact.
The role calls for a visible, approachable, and unifying leader who can bring together a diverse facultyacross disciplines, species focus areas, and responsibilities. A central opportunity for the next Chair will beto develop a shared vision that reflects the department’s full breadth, while building alignment, strengtheningtrust, and fostering a cohesive culture. Success will come from listening thoughtfully, engaging broadly, andbringing people together around a clear path forward.
The Chair is responsible for supporting and developing faculty across all mission areas, includingrecruitment, mentoring, retention, and promotion and tenure processes. The Chair will foster anenvironment in which faculty can succeed as educators, researchers, clinicians, and contributors tooutreach.
The Chair will articulate and implement a clear strategic vision for the future of large animal veterinarymedicine at MSU. Priorities include strengthening the integration of clinical care, research, and education;expanding clinical capacity and outreach; and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly withinMSU’s One Health framework. The Chair will also guide the department’s approach to emerging issues,including generative AI, workforce needs, and innovation in veterinary education and practice.
With a minimum 50% administrative appointment, the Chair will remain engaged in teaching, research,clinical service, and/or outreach. As such, credibility as a clinician and/or scholar, and the ability toengage meaningfully with students, trainees, faculty, and external stakeholders, is essential.
The Chair will ensure operational effectiveness and academic excellence by setting clear expectations,fostering strong communication, and supporting shared governance. The role also requires a strongcommitment to teaching and student outcomes, including strengthening engagement and expandingpathways into large animal and rural veterinary practice.
Externally, the Chair will serve as a key ambassador for the department and College, engagingstakeholders across veterinary, agricultural, and policy communities. In partnership with Collegeleadership, the Chair will support advancement efforts, contribute to the growth of the clinical enterprise,and build strategic collaborations across disciplines.
Ultimately, this role offers the opportunity to stabilize, strengthen, and elevate a complex academic andclinical enterprise, aligning people, programs, and resources to advance a mission at the intersection ofanimal and public health.
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 (DVM or equivalent); candidates without a veterinary degree may be considered in exceptional circumstances based on demonstrated alignment with the role.
Desired Degree
Other -Advanced Degree in Research (PhD or MS)
Minimum Requirements
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Knowledge of the animal agriculture landscape
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Ability to articulate a vision for the future of large animal veterinary medicine
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Strong record of accomplishment and advancing knowledge in at least two of the academic missions of service, research, teaching, and/or outreach
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Excellent and timely written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
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Ability to effectively engage with others and collaborate within team settings
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Experience successfully leading groups or programs, managing budgets, and managing personnel
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Experience mentoring colleagues and trainees, fostering their professional growth and careeradvancement
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Ability to model and foster an environment of kindness, collegiality, professional citizenship, andcollaboration
Desired Qualifications
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Experience in large animal clinical medicine
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Board certification in an AVMA-recognized specialization relevant to large animals
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Earned advanced graduate degree (PhD, MS, MPH, or equivalents) or professional certification
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Experience in formal leadership positions
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Record of successfully leading, representing, and advocating for teams or groups
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Familiarity with the various types of external stakeholders, including commodity groups, producers, and government and regulatory agencies
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Media relations and communications training and experience
Required Application Materials
Statement of Interest highlighting specific strengths related to this position including previous administrative experience and accomplishments, research interests, funding history Statement about commitment to diversity CV Names and contact information, including e-mail address, for three professional references.
Special Instructions
Interested and qualified candidates are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter to: MSUDepartmentLCS@KornFerry.com.
Review of Applications Begins On
06/18/2026
Website
https://cvm.msu.edu/lcs
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.
