As many of you may know, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is searching for a new dean, as Dean Johnny Wynne is stepping down after many years in his position.
When I heard of his retirement, the first thing that went through my head was, “Who is Johnny Wynne ?” (I should add here that I am a CALS student.) Let’s face it, not many people know who our dean is or what he does.
Right now, we have a search committee that has the daunting task of finding a new dean to give CALS its much-needed breath of fresh air. At several forums, students, faculty and staff voiced their opinions on the topic and told the search committee exactly what they want to see in the new dean.
Through following the selection process as a student, I have seen several common trends as to what people are looking for in a dean.
It is essential for our new dean to have an outgoing personality. As far as I know, Dean Wynne never engaged with students. I am active within CALS and can honestly say I don’t even know what the guy looks like. We need someone like Chancellor Randy Woodson. Woodson not only makes himself visible, but he also makes a point to get to know students personally. I have only had a handful of opportunities to talk to him, but he knows my name and my major, and as a student, it means a lot to know how much he cares.
It is also important that our new dean realizes the extent of the impact agriculture has on our college and state, as well as the nation and world. We are the land grant university of the state. Because we have that distinction, we must ensure the students in majors unique to land grant universities are well-trained to lead in their respective fields. Nothing says dedication to agriculture like having livestock in the Brickyard for a week every spring. While we may receive ridicule from our comrades down the road as being the “cow college,” this is a title that comes with the responsibility of feeding and clothing countless people.
Another important consideration to make is the background of the new dean. While it may seem beneficial to select someone who has a strong N.C. State background, it will only do us more harm than good.
Take a look at our current dean. He graduated from the University with a bachelors degree in 1965 and never left. This could be why it seems like CALS is not living up to its full potential and going nowhere fast.
To move forward and strengthen our college, we need to bring in fresh ideas from outside the community. Advocates for hiring within the University probably think it would be beneficial for the new dean to know the system and ease into the job.
To be a leader and make changes, you can’t ease into a position like you would ease into a steaming, hot bubble bath. You need to throw yourself into the deep end from the beginning and evaluate where we are to make improvements that will get us where we need to be.
So, dean search committee, as you continue to evaluate candidates for the position of dean of CALS , keep in mind what I have outlined and don’t lose sight of where we want to go.
