The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) invites nominations and applications for a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as Chairperson and Full Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences (NHS). This position is designed for an accomplished academic leader with demonstrated success managing complex organizations, guiding diverse teams, and advancing mission-driven academic, research, and community initiatives.

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.

Application Process

Review of applications begins February 16, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. To view full details and to apply, visit https://employment.unl.edu, F_250074. Applicants will be required to upload the following documents:

Letter of application describing your qualifications and your leadership approach specific to this position.
Curriculum vitae.
Statement of leadership philosophy.
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.

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.

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About University of Nebraska–Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is Nebraska’s land-grant research university, is a member of the Big Ten, and ranks among Doctoral Universities with the Highest Research Activity [Carnegie CIHE]. As the state’s flagship institution, UNL plays a key role in the research and innovation landscape within the region. Lincoln, the state capital, is also part of a growing high-tech region known as the ‘Midwest Silicon Prairie’. We offer a vibrant, welcoming, family-friendly community with a strong economy, excellent public-school system, modest cost of living, and a high quality of life. Learn more about life in Lincoln at placetobelnk.com and aboutlincoln.unl.edu.

Connections working at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

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