Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

About the role

Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine seeks a visionary leader to serve as Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. This senior role offers a rare opportunity to design and launch interdisciplinary research and innovation programs from inception at a new veterinary school built to integrate discovery, education, and real-world impact. The Associate Dean will be appointed at the rank of Full Professor and will work closely with the Dean, faculty, students, and external partners to shape a distinctive research and innovation ecosystem that advances animal, human, and environmental health. The position is based at the new Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot, Arkansas, co‑located with Cabot Animal Support Services (CASS), a local, state, and national model for shelter medicine, animal welfare, community relations, and education. As a private institution, Lyon College offers nimbleness in encouraging innovations, aiming to attract and retain creative, forward‑thinking faculty in a flexible, non‑tenure‑track rolling‑contract environment that rewards creativity, innovation, and risk taking. Lyon College is a USN&WR “top tier” national liberal arts college, recognized by Forbes as “One of America's Top Colleges,” and home to the Lyon College Institute of Health Sciences, which includes the Lyon College School of Dental Health in Little Rock and the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the School's research, innovation, and entrepreneurship strategy
• Define and advance focused, mission-aligned research and translational priority areas
• Serve as the School's chief research and innovation officer and primary liaison to external partners
• Expand interdisciplinary collaborations across Lyon College, Arkansas, and national partners
• Identify and secure extramural funding from federal, state, foundation, and industry sources
• Establish mentoring and professional development programs supporting scholarship, funding success, and entrepreneurial activity
• Ensure meaningful student engagement in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
• Facilitate access to research, innovation, and entrepreneurial infrastructure through partnerships

Qualifications

Required:

• DVM (or equivalent) with a PhD and/or ABVS board certification
• Academic record consistent with appointment at the rank of Full Professor
• Senior leadership experience in academia, healthcare, or a comparably complex organization

Preferred:

• Demonstrated excellence in funded research, high-impact scholarship, and collaborative science and/or innovation and entrepreneurship
• Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and align resources to achieve strategic goals
• Commitment to faculty and student mentorship and success
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Record of inclusive leadership and engagement with diverse populations
• Familiarity with innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, start-ups, or industry partnerships