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.

• 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

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

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.