MNN - Mother Nature Network

Farming has been declared the hottest green job for the next decade by Fast Company magazine.  America’s farmers are aging and there is a potential need for tens of millions of new farmers to replace them.  Many of these new farmers will come through one of the nation’s college agriculture programs.  To help educate these next generation farmers, one Pennsylvania institution is searching for a new dean to head up its Agriculture and Environmental Sciences department.

 

Company:  Delaware Valley College

Position:  Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Location:  Doylestown, PA

Salary:  Unlisted

 

“The Dean provides leadership and administrative oversight for a large component of the curriculum including agronomy and environmental sciences, life sciences, dairy science, large animal science, equine studies, horticulture, ornamental horticulture and environmental design, agribusiness, food science and management, animal biotechnology and conservation, and the agricultural production units including the Roth Farm, the college's living museum and farm.”  Source: Delaware Valley College

 

The Roth Farm Living Museum is a 35-acre farm centered on a restored 19th century farmhouse and barn.  The farm is a popular place for school tours, where children can learn about 19th century farming techniques through hands-on experiences. 

 

Delaware Valley College has a long agricultural history.  The school was founded in 1896 by Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf, D.D. as the National Farm School.  In 1945, the institution was renamed The National Farm School and Junior College.  Three short years later, it was renamed once again and it became the National Agricultural College.  

 

In 1960, after adding a Food Industry, Biology and Chemistry, and Business Administration program, the school was renamed once again.  The school was known as the Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture until 1989 when it was shortened to Delaware Valley College.

 

Although this NCAA Division III school is home to only 2,051 students (1,656 undergraduates), it has been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years (2006, 2007, 2008).  

 

The position became vacant after long-time dean, Dr. James E. Diamond, retired in August 2008.  An interim dean currently fills the position but the official search for Dr. Diamond’s replacement has just recently begun.  The new dean will begin working for the college on July 1, 2010.

 

To read more about the position, including a list of candidate requirements, visit the Delaware Valley College Human Resources website.