University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Chairperson and Full Professor
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Please see Special Instructions for more details. Click "Apply for this Job," complete the Faculty/Academic Administrative Information Form, and attach the following documents:
• Letter of application describing your qualifications and your leadership approach specific to this position. • Curriculum vitae. • Statement of leadership philosophy. Attach as "Other Document." • Contact information for three professional references that can speak to your abilities to carry out the responsibilities of the position. Please include mailing address, phone number, and email.
Position Information
Working Title Chairperson and Full Professor
Department Nutrition & Health Sciences UNL-1041
Requisition Number F_250074
Posting Open Date 12/22/2025
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 02/16/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
NHS is a vibrant department with strong enrollment, nationally recognized programs, and an outstanding faculty known for excellence in teaching, research/creative activity, Extension, and community engagement. The Chairperson will lead the department in shaping its next phase of growth and innovation while aligning efforts with the broader strategic priorities of the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS), the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Nebraska System's Odyssey to Extraordinary. This position will collaborate with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR).
This is a 12-month appointment with approximately 70% administrative leadership and 30% faculty role. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Key Responsibilities
• Strategic Leadership & Vision Develop and implement a forward-looking departmental strategy that strengthens academic excellence, research productivity, outreach impact, and workforce relevance. Lead a collaborative visioning process that brings together faculty, staff, students, and partners to advance departmental and college-level priorities. Promote a culture of trust, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Organizational & Operational Management Direct all departmental operations, including strategic planning, accreditation/assessment, facilities oversight, technology needs, and administrative processes. Manage financial resources-including state, foundation, and externally generated funds-to support departmental objectives and long-range planning. Guide faculty and staff recruitment, retention, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and professional development.
• Academic Excellence & Program Stewardship Support high-quality academic programs through curriculum oversight, academic innovation, and continuous improvement processes. Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within CEHS, across UNL, and with IANR, including Agricultural Research Division and Nebraska Extension. Because some faculty in the Nutrition and Health Sciences Department share appointments between CEHS and IANR, this position will have a close working relationship with the IANR leadership team.
• Research Advancement & External Resource Generation Champion research, creative activity, and Extension initiatives by supporting faculty success and developing opportunities for multi-unit and multi-disciplinary projects. Cultivate external partnerships and secure resources through grants, contracts, corporate collaborations, donations, and strategic alliances.
• Stakeholder, Community, & Alumni Relations Serve as the primary representative of NHS at college, institute, and university levels, and within regional and national professional communities. Build and strengthen relationships with industry, government agencies, community organizations, alumni, and key external stakeholders. Represent departmental interests and communicate its achievements to internal and external audiences.
• Faculty Role (Teaching/Research/Extension/Outreach) Engage in teaching at the equivalent of one course per year. Research/creative activity, Extension, and/or outreach in alignment with personal expertise and departmental needs. Support student recruitment and success initiatives.
• Institutional Service Participate in university, college, and institute committees and special assignments as required. Collaborate effectively with administrative leaders to support UNL's mission and respond to institutional priorities.
About the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences NHS is part of the College of Education and Human Sciences and advances the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and businesses. Programs span dietetics, athletic training, nutrition and biomedical sciences, community health and wellness, exercise and health sciences, and hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management.
The department hosts the NIH-funded Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases and maintains strong interdisciplinary ties with IANR.
Mission: Enhance human health and well-being through discovery and application of scientific knowledge.
Vision: Create a comprehensive and collaborative research and learning environment that advances health, hospitality, experiential learning, and community engagement.
Core Values: Collaboration, cultural responsiveness, innovation, multidisciplinary approaches, and the creation and application of new knowledge.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
Earned doctorate degree in Nutrition Science, Exercise Science, Dietetics, Hospitality, or a closely related discipline.
Experience in higher education, including a record of programmatic extramurally funded research, teaching, Extension, outreach, and/or service.
Demonstrated leadership abilities.
Excellence in teaching, research/creative activity, Extension, and/or outreach with a record that meets the qualifications for promotion and tenure to Full Professor based on UNL and CEHS standards.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated skill in working across disciplinary and programmatic boundaries.
Experience managing financial, physical, and human resources.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an emphasis on communication with a variety of stakeholder groups.
Leadership experience working collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams.
Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required
Posted Salary
How to Apply Click "Apply for this Job," complete the Faculty/Academic Administrative Information Form, and attach the following documents:
• Letter of application describing your qualifications and your leadership approach specific to this position. • Curriculum vitae. • Statement of leadership philosophy. Attach as "Other Document." • Contact information for three professional references that can speak to your abilities to carry out the responsibilities of the position. Please include mailing address, phone number, and email.
For more information, contact Dr. Michael Merten, Search Committee Chair via email: michael.merten@unl.edu.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact Dr. Michael Merten Search Committee Chair michael.merten@unl.edu
Job Category
Job Category (old) Academic Administrative
Job Type Full-Time
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date July 2026
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location Default Location
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Required Documents
Letter of Interest Curriculum Vitae Other Document List of References
Optional Documents
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