Job Description

Oklahoma State University

Established in 1890, Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university, fostering student success through a blend of tradition and innovation. OSU’s goal is to become the preeminent land-grant institution in the country through a bold university strategy. Classified as a Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) university, its leaders are advancing the institution further by supporting excellence across the tripartite mission of student instruction, ground-breaking research, and extending the university’s knowledge and expertise to the communities we serve. OSU has more than 35,000 students and employs more than 7,000 faculty and staff across its system, with students from all 50 states and more than 100 nations.

OSU has five campuses: Stillwater, which includes the College of Veterinary Medicine; OSU-Tulsa; OSU-Oklahoma City; OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee; and the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, which includes the OSU Medical Center. OSU also boasts 16 agricultural experiment stations and 77 county extension offices across the state.

The City of Stillwater provides the perfect setting for a comprehensive research university and is important in attracting top faculty members because of the environment the community provides for OSU employees and their families. With a population of more than 48,000, Stillwater is the quintessential college town. It is the tenth largest city in Oklahoma and is conveniently located between the two largest cities in the state, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. As Stillwater's largest employer, OSU is committed to working with business and city leaders to provide economic development opportunities in Stillwater. The city has a diverse economy with a foundation in aerospace, agribusiness, biotechnology, optoelectronics, printing and publishing, and software and standard manufacturing. Stillwater has been named one of the "6th Fastest Growing Small Towns in America" by Forbes.com and one of the top 100 places to live in by CNN/Money Magazine.

About the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

The Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR/OSU Agriculture), Oklahoma State University, is a dynamic academic organization that integrates the three missions of teaching, research and Cooperative Extension. These are represented by the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station (OSU Ag Research) and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES).

OSU Agriculture includes nine academic departments, 16 field research stations, more than 40 research facilities, two institutes, three centers, and a presence in all 77 Oklahoma counties. The college offers undergraduate majors in 16 fields of study, 17 master’s, and 12 doctoral degrees. Current enrollment includes 3,134 undergraduate and 442 graduate students. OSU Agriculture has a total budget of approximately $131 million and more than 900 FTEs, including 186 tenured/tenure-track faculty and 76 non-tenure track faculty. Find more information about the programs, structure and unique qualities of OSU Agriculture, please visit: www.agdivision.okstate.edu.

Agricultural Hall, the home of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, was completed in July 2024 after a three-year construction process. The New Frontiers campaign was launched in January 2020 to build a new, state-of-the-art facility for OSU Agriculture. Agricultural Hall further advances teaching, research, and Extension efforts critical to the state’s economy, citizens’ safety and quality of life. By advancing OSU Agriculture and its programs, the new building fosters innovation to help feed the world. Agricultural Hall prioritizes experiential learning, adaptive research and a strong sense of community through strategically designed spaces; fosters learning and collaboration; and harnesses energy and excitement of innovation.

Associate Vice President

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

The Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources invites nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice President of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. This 12-month position is administratively responsible to the Vice President, Dean and Director, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The OCES employs more than 400 faculty, professional, and support staff. Employees are located on the OSU campus and in more than 80 locations throughout Oklahoma. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to the land-grant mission.

The OCES Associate Vice President is the chief operating officer of OCES and will provide transformative statewide, regional, and national leadership in fostering high-quality and effective Cooperative Extension Service programs relevant to Oklahoma needs. The incumbent will:

• Lead long-range program planning, implementation and reporting for the OCES system.
• Work with the DASNR Vice President, Dean and Director to administer programs, personnel, and fiscal affairs.
• Provide leadership to increase revenue for OCES with county, state, federal, and private sources.
• Provide leadership for engagement with county and state leaders and legislators to enhance extension programming.
• Actively seek input on program needs and to garner support for OCES from food and agricultural organizations, natural resource organizations, community health and wellness organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Help lead campus-wide initiatives on Extension and coordinate with the Associate Vice President, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station (OSU Ag Research), Associate Dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture (Academic Programs), the Deans and extension leads from other Colleges at Oklahoma State University including the Colleges or Education and Human Sciences, Engineering, Architecture and Technology, Spears School of Business, Veterinary Medicine, and Arts & Sciences to achieve effective coordination of Extension programs.
• Manage day-to-day operations of OCES administrative issues.
• Maintain an active role in regional and national organizations such as the Association of Southern Region Extension Directors and Association of Public and Land Grant Universities.
• Actively engage with the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and other federal and state agencies to coordinate Extension and outreach efforts across organizations to position OCES for funding opportunities.
• Provide leadership for full compliance with the Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Program in the OCES.
• Serve as a member of DASNR’s executive team and coordinate with the Dean and VP, Associate Dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture, and the Associate Vice President of the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station to advance OSU Agriculture and ensure synergies with teaching, research, and Extension missions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A terminal degree in a discipline related to the Cooperative Extension Service mission is preferred; exceptions may be made for individuals with exceptional leadership and administrative experience related to the OCES mission;
• Experience leading a complex organization with multiple layers of direct reports is strongly preferred;
• A comprehensive understanding of non-formal youth and adult education and program development processes;
• A demonstrated ability to serve effectively as an administrative leader; a proven ability to communicate effectively; and a demonstrated capability to manage personnel and budgets;
• An understanding of issues important to Oklahoma agriculture, families, youth and communities and a grasp of the means to provide visionary and progressive leadership in the development of innovative programs;
• A thorough understanding of all levels, programming areas, and aspects of the Cooperative Extension Service is essential with the ability to strengthen relationships with constituency groups at the county, state, and federal level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the Cooperative Extension System.

To learn more about this opportunity, please view the Full Leadership Profile.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted here: OSU Applicant Portal

For additional information, please contact our search consultants at Buffkin / Baker:

Mr. Martin M. Baker

Mrs. Chelsie Whitelock

Buffkin/Baker

OCESAVP@buffkinbaker.com

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by November 1, 2026 to ensure full consideration.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non- discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.