Founding Program Director-Undergraduate Agriculture Program

Job Description

Position Summary

Campbellsville University invites applications for the position of Founding Program Director of its new Undergraduate Agriculture Program. This leader will be responsible for building a mission-driven, partnership-based program that reflects Campbellsville University's Christian values and commitment to regional economic and workforce development.

The Program Director will have the unique opportunity to design and launch an innovative curriculum from the ground up, recruit and mentor faculty, and establish robust partnerships with local farms, agribusinesses, community organizations, and government agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development & Leadership

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the undergraduate agriculture curriculum

• Ensure alignment with SACSCOC accreditation standards, Kentucky higher education requirements, and Campbellsville University's mission.

• Community & Industry Engagement

• Build strong relationships with local farmers, agribusinesses, cooperative extension offices, and agricultural organizations.

• Create experiential learning opportunities such as practicums, internships, and applied research projects that support local agriculture.

• Serve as the public face of the program, representing CU at community events, agricultural fairs, and professional meetings.

• Faculty & Student Support

• Recruit, mentor, and supervise program faculty and adjuncts.

• Collaborate with admissions and marketing teams to recruit and retain students.

• Foster a Christ-centered learning environment that supports student success and vocational discernment.

• Administrative Oversight

• Manage program budget, scheduling, and assessment processes.

• Oversee accreditation compliance and program evaluation.

• Report regularly to the Dean of the appropriate academic school/college.

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Education, or a closely related field.
• Strong record of teaching, scholarship, or professional practice in agriculture.
• Proven ability to build and sustain community partnerships, preferably in a rural or regional context.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to Campbellsville University's mission as a Christian university.

Preferred:

• Experience with curriculum development that integrates experiential and project-based learning.
• Connections to Kentucky agricultural networks, cooperative extensions, and local producers.
• Familiarity with grant writing, fundraising, or securing external support for program growth.