Director of the Institute of Ranch Management and Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Ranch Management

Application Deadline:

Will remain open until filled

Position Details:

This full-time faculty position is on-campus and in-person.

The TCU Ranch Management Program invites applications for the William Watt Matthews Director of the Institute of Ranch Management and Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Ranch Management, a leadership position at one of the nation's premier ranch management programs. The Director will shape industry partnerships, advance applied agricultural education, and prepare the next generation of ranch and agricultural business leaders. The Ranch Management Institute's primary function is to establish industry partnerships and conduct educational outreach for the TCU Ranch Management program. This individual must be willing and capable of training future ranch managers within the program as well as conducting industry outreach programs which highlight ranch management concepts and principles. TCU Ranch Management is one of the most distinctive agricultural programs in the United States, combining business, economics, natural resources, animal production, and leadership training in a highly immersive educational experience. The Institute Director will play a central role in expanding the program's visibility and influence across the agricultural industry.

In the outreach portion of this position, the candidate must be capable of establishing agricultural industry-relevant partnerships to facilitate collaborations with Ranch Management faculty. Specifically, these collaborations will be utilized for industry-based education and collaborative applied research projects that utilize TCU Ranch Management practices and expertise.

The candidate will have teaching responsibilities within the TCU Ranch Management program and TCU. A strong understanding of agricultural production practices, agricultural markets, marketing strategies, and risk management practices is essential. Teaching responsibilities will correlate to coursework in the Ranch Management program that focuses on agricultural resource management, agricultural economics, agricultural business, animal production agriculture, animal health, and business practices currently employed in the cattle industry. The candidate will be expected to cross-teach with other faculty, but their primary courses will be tailored to their training and capabilities. All courses are taught in a collaborative, comprehensive manner and in coordination with other faculty members. The candidate should be willing to employ a systems approach in their teaching strategy while understanding the economic impact of each decision in the production process.

A strong background in production agriculture, applied agricultural business practices or natural resource management is required.

The candidate will assist in any administrative duties deemed necessary to facilitate the operation of the department, including recruiting and outreach. There are also travel requirements associated with this appointment which are directly related to the outreach and teaching components of the appointment.

An earned Master's degree with a background in agriculture, agricultural markets, or agricultural economics is required. It is highly desirable that the candidate have teaching experience in an agricultural-related field and be experienced in conducting education programs with industry professionals.

Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and excellence in written and oral communication is essential.

Department Details:

Ranch Management prepares professionals to manage global agricultural resource systems in an ecologically and economically sound basis while conserving and improving resources. Enrollment is a maximum of 36 students per academic year. The program offers a Certificate in Ranch Management, Bachelor of Science in Ranch Management, and a Minor in Ranch Management.

School/College Description:

The Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering encompasses 9 departments (Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental and Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Nutritional Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology) as well as the Ranch Management Program, which offers both an undergraduate degree and a one-year certificate program. Davis College is also home to the Pre-Health Professions Institute, the Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development, the Institute of Behavioral Research, the Institute for Environmental Studies, Monnig Meteorite Gallery, and the Institute for Ranch Management. Davis College is the second largest at TCU in terms of both undergraduate enrollment and number of majors. It contains a disproportionate percentage of high-achieving students, as evidenced by the fact that almost one-half of the students in the Honors College have majors in The Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering. Research opportunities abound for undergraduates, with 46 percent of majors engaging in a substantive experience during which they work one-on-one with their faculty mentor. Davis College also has five doctoral programs and 16 master’s programs, as well as two graduate certificate programs. Davis College faculty are true teacher-scholars, for whom instruction and research are viewed as complementary activities.

University & Fort Worth Description:

About TCU

Founded in 1873, Texas Christian University is a world-class, private, Carnegie-classified national research university located in Fort Worth, Texas. Inspired by its mission and core values of integrity, engagement, community, and excellence, TCU consistently ranks among the top universities and colleges in the United States.

TCU’s campus — regularly ranked among the nation’s most beautiful — spans 302 acres in a primarily residential area just minutes from downtown.

The university comprises nine schools and colleges offering 117 areas of undergraduate study, 62 master’s level programs, and 37 areas of doctoral study. TCU is a leader across several disciplines, including health care, business, energy, and the arts. Total enrollment stands at 12,980, including 11,152 undergraduates and 1,828 graduate students. Students are supported by over 2,200 faculty and staff, including more than 700 full-time faculty members.

About Fort Worth

Fort Worth blends the approachable charm of a smaller city with the amenities, cultural energy, and distinctive personality of a major metro. As the nation’s 11th-largest city, with a rapidly growing population of more than 1 million, Fort Worth and TCU share a relationship that spans more than a century — one that continues to deepen as many Horned Frogs choose to stay after graduation, drawn by the region’s thriving job market. Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area — the nation’s fourth-largest and a top tourism destination — Fort Worth earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report in 2025 as the No. 4 best big city to live in the United States.

Fort Worth offers an impressive array of cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities, anchored by three world-class art museums — the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Bass Performance Hall stands as one of the premier performance venues in the country. Throughout the year, residents and visitors alike enjoy concerts, film festivals, and other cultural events at Sundance Square, Dickies Arena, Panther Island, and Near Southside venues.

Required Application Materials & Application Instructions:

Applications should be submitted online through the TCU Human Resources website https://jobs.tcu.edu/. You may search for this position by entering the 6-digit requisition number 501241 or by entering the title in the search field. Complete the application, which consists of personal contact information, three references and their contact information, and a voluntary survey. Then, upload 1) a cover letter, 2) full CV, and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references.

Letters of recommendation will be requested later in the process from your three references. Your references will receive an email from TCU asking them to upload their LOR on your behalf. TCU only accepts online applications and documents.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.