Description

The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking applications for Chairperson of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. As the nation’s pioneer land-grant university, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world. The College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU is driven by the values of inclusion, innovation, integrity, compassion, and collaboration in our mission to learn, discover, heal, and protect. More information on the university and college can be obtained here. 

The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences 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.  

Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences clinical and research resources include the Veterinary Medical Center, 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 houses approximately 680 cows and features precision feeding systems, robotic milking, labs, and dedicated instructional space for students and veterinary hands-on training.  

The next Large Animal Clinical Sciences Chairperson is to be a visible, accessible, and empathic leader who models and fosters an environment of kindness, collegiality, and collaboration. The successful chair will also embody and promote a culture of professional citizenship and accountability. This is an opportunity to lead a dynamic department poised to help define the future of large animal veterinary medicine and education at MSU and beyond. The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences 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

This position is a full-time, annual appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor and may be in the Tenure System or the Health Programs (HP) faculty appointment system. Health Programs positions are unique to MSU's medical colleges and support clinical research, diagnostic service, and teaching (see https://www.hr.msu.edu/policies-procedures/faculty-academic-staff/health-programs-faculty-handbook/index.html)

Application

Details of the application process and portal for materials submission are available at the Careers at MSU online submission system at https://careers.msu.edu/jobs/search under Posting #1075196. Review of applications will start as soon as October 3, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

Requirements

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