The University of Vermont is launching a national search for the next Director of Extension and Associate Dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The university is seeking input from across Extension, UVM, and our broader community of partners.

This role is central to advancing UVM’s land-grant mission and ensuring Extension continues to serve Vermonters through responsive programming, applied research, and strong community partnerships.

To help shape the position and identify the leadership qualities needed for the future, the search committee is gathering input through a series of listening sessions.

The first listening session is this Thursday, May 21, at 11 a.m. Additional listening sessions will be offered over the summer (dates to be announced).

The search committee is also requesting input through a survey available online.

The committee is especially interested in your perspectives on:

  • The most important priorities and opportunities for Extension
  • The experience and leadership approach needed in the next Director
  • How Extension can strengthen its partnerships and impact

Your feedback will directly inform:

  • The final position description
  • Candidate evaluation criteria
  • The design of the interview and selection process

The survey includes open-ended questions to welcome a wide range of ideas, whether detailed suggestions or high-level reflections based on your experience working with and/or alongside Extension. Survey-takers are encouraged to complete the form by Friday, May 27, to ensure your input can be incorporated into the next phase of the search.

Your voice is essential to ensuring we recruit a leader who reflects and can advance the needs, values, and aspirations of the communities we serve.

If you have questions, please contact Director of Extension Search Committee Chair Mandar Dewoolkar at mdewoolk@uvm.edu. And thank you for your engagement in this important process!