Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Tarleton State University in its search for Head of Agricultural Education and Communication Department and Tenured Associate or Full Professor. 

For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026. 

Tarleton State has emerged as Texas’s fastest-growing public university, posting nearly 50% enrollment growth since 2022, with sustained year-over-year increases that underscore its expanding statewide impact. This is a pivotal moment to join an institution making significant strategic investments in academic excellence, research capacity, and student success, and a compelling opportunity for a visionary, people-centered academic leader to shape the next chapter of a flagship academic unit.

In this context, Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Associate Professor/Professor and Department Head in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth.

Guided by the university’s long-range plan, Tarleton Forward 2030, the institution is pursuing ambitious goals related to academic distinction, research growth, and community engagement. Tarleton’s rising national profile, including its Carnegie R2 designation, reflects a growing emphasis on scholarship, external funding, and innovation. 

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Department Head serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of the department and will oversee a department of 15 faculty (and growing), which currently enrolls the second-largest student population among academic units. The successful candidate will bring the credibility, judgment, and leadership presence to set direction, establish clear expectations, and unify a growing academic unit, while supporting faculty development, strengthening academic programs, and advancing college and university priorities.

Housed within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Department is part of one of Tarleton State University’s most established and high-impact academic units, known for its strong applied-learning focus and deep connections to Texas’s agricultural, natural resource, and rural communities. There is one doctoral program in the college (Animal and Natural Resource Sciences) with one more planned for submission in 2027. The Department’s academic programs prepare graduates for leadership across education, industry, and communication sectors, and are supported by a deeply engaged and influential alumni network. The Stephenville campus further supports this work through state-of-the-art facilities, including the Research and Economic Development Building, recipient of a 2025 TEXO Distinguished Building Award, designed to catalyze collaboration across disciplines.

Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends reach even further. 

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

This 12-month, tenured appointment (50% administrative) is based primarily on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Vision: Collaborate with the department faculty and staff to establish a vision for the department in alignment with the overall vision of the school, college, and the university.
• Strategic Planning: Lead the shared development and implementation of a departmental strategic plan.
• Institutional Collaboration: Work with the college dean and their leadership team, as well as administrative leadership in academic affairs and across institutional divisions to fulfill the institutional strategic plan Tarleton Forward 2030.

Budget and Resource Allocation

• Financial Oversight: Develop and manage the department’s budget in collaboration with college and university administration.
• Resource Allocation: Oversee the allocation of departmental resources, including equipment, lab space, technology, and office space.
• Reporting: Work with the university budget specialist for record keeping and university reporting.

Academic Program Development and Continuous Improvement

• Curriculum Assessment: Ensure the ongoing review, development, and modification of curriculum to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies, and to meet the evolving needs of students, accreditation standards, and industry expectations.
• Program Assessment: Ensure review and evaluation of existing academic programs, using data to enhance quality and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
• Program Development: Work with department and university partners to propose and develop new undergraduate and graduate programs, including interdisciplinary programs, majors, minors, certificates, etc.
• Accreditation Compliance: Ensure that academic programs meet discipline and institutional accreditation requirements, including preparation of necessary reports and supporting documentation.

Faculty and Staff Excellence

• Recruitment and Hiring: Oversee faculty and staff recruitment efforts, ensuring compliant recruitment practices and high-quality hiring.
• Mentoring: Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty and staff, foster ongoing professional development; encourage and support faculty in pursuing effective teaching practices and competitive scholarship.
• Workload Management: Oversee faculty teaching assignments; oversee the collaborative articulation of faculty teaching, research, service, and administrative goals in the yearly Statement of Expectation documents.
• Evaluation: Conduct annual performance evaluations of faculty and staff, including faculty midpoint, tenure & promotion, and post-tenure reviews.
• Communication and Conflict Resolution: Foster open lines of communication within the department as well as with [school and] college leadership; address and mediate conflicts within the department, including faculty and staff disputes.

Student Academic Success

• Engagement: Foster a productive environment for student engagement, retention, and graduation; support student organizations within the department.
• Academic Scheduling: Ensure that class offerings meet student demand and degree progression.
• Conduct: Support faculty in their obligation to uphold standards of academic integrity and rigor of classes and programs; mediate departmental processes for student academic appeals.
• Recruitment: Work with the Division of Enrollment Management and the College of Graduate Studies to market programs to increase enrollment.
• Career Development: Connect students with opportunities for internships, experiential learning, and career exploration

Teaching, Research, and Scholarship

• Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum.
• Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.
• Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.
• Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant’s academic discipline.
• Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant’s discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.
• Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities.
• Ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctorate in Agricultural Education/Communication/Leadership, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Distinguished record in teaching and research warranting a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. 
  • Eligibility for tenure will be determined by reviewing the candidate’s record consistent with Texas A&M University System guidance.
  • Tenure upon arrival is contingent on Texas A&M System Board of Regents approval.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• A distinguished record in teaching and research that warrants a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Full Professor.
• Administrative and leadership experience as department head/chair.
• Previous experience in oversight of accredited academic programs.
• Demonstrated ability to use and understand data to inform strategic planning.
• Strong evidence of the ability to set operational goals from strategic plans.

Learn about the university’s comprehensive Texas A&M University System benefits here. 

About Tarleton State University   
   
As a founding member of and the second largest institution within The Texas A&M University System, Tarleton is breaking records, in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement, while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, A&M RELLIS at Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity, and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.  
    
Tarleton is a vibrant learning community with nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a doctorate in education and criminal justice, within nine academic colleges including Agricultural and Natural Resources; Business; Education; Engineering; Graduate Studies; Health Sciences; Liberal and Fine Arts; Science and Mathematics; and University College.  
  
Tarleton has extended the reach of state-supported, affordable education by expanding online undergraduate and graduate programs and classes in Stephenville and on our outreach campuses. Students come to Tarleton from around the world, representing some 30 countries, nearly every state in the U.S., and 253 Texas counties, and leave as moral, ethical thinkers with civility and integrity who contribute meaningfully to a global society.  
    
Recent additions to the main Stephenville location include new facilities such as the Engineering building, the stadium and athletic-facilities renovations, and the Child Development Center, along with the upcoming Convocation and Event Center. Tarleton’s research centers include the renowned Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research, the Timberlake Biological Field Station, and the Southwest Regional Dairy Center.  
  
Tarleton’s Vision   
 
Tarleton State University will be the premier comprehensive regional university in the nation, dedicated to education, service and research. It is committed to being a university of opportunity for all students and believes it has a responsibility to drive regional innovation and job creation for all graduates.   
   
Living in the Area   

Tarleton’s primary location is in Stephenville, Texas, which consistently ranks as one of the best small towns in America. With a population of over 20,000, Stephenville is located in Erath County and has become one of the best places to live in Texas. Stephenville's cost of living is approximately 17% lower than the U.S average including a lower-than-average sales tax and no income tax. The area also has lower-than-average unemployment and crime rates.     

Stephenville was first patented by John M. Stephen on February 24, 1853. After almost 170 years, this city has transformed into one of the fastest growing "college towns" in the State of Texas and has so much to offer its residents whether they be college students, senior citizens, or families. Tarleton State University is located in the Heart of Stephenville and has several outreach programs that give the community a special, close-knit feeling.       

Uniquely located in rural Texas, one-hour southwest of Dallas/Fort Worth for easy access to metropolitan amenities and a major airport, yet isolated from big city stress, Stephenville is an inviting, gracious community with a rich western heritage in a beautiful country setting along the Bosque River. Several major manufacturing companies are located in and around Stephenville, as well as small businesses, boutiques, and much more that offer ample job opportunities. The area offers amenities for all interests including restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries, outdoor activities, parks, and family attractions.   

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026. 

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to TarletonAg@acesrch.com.
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institutional Information
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.