May 11, 2021

MSU’s Hendrick new Texas Tech provost, senior vice president of academic affairs

Ronald L. Hendrick, dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU), has been appointed provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Texas Tech University, effective July 1.

He replaces Michael Galyean, who recently announced his retirement after serving in the role the last five years.

In addition to his role as dean, Hendrick is a professor in the Department of Forestry, and was appointed to both positions in 2016. He oversees all academic, research and outreach efforts of CANR, which includes 12 academic departments and schools, the Institute of Agricultural Technology, MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension (MSU Extension). His responsibilities have included recruiting, hiring, promotion and tenure, retention, mentoring, and related matters for tenure-, research- and professional practice-track faculty members; facilities and capital planning; communications and marketing; and information technology.

“Ron Hendrick’s extensive background in higher education leadership at some of the world’s leading research institutions will greatly benefit Texas Tech’s trajectory as a national and global leader,” said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech president. “The accomplishments of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources under his leadership are impressive as are his personal dedication and commitment to students and faculty.”

Hendrick brings to Lubbock an impressive record of working with state leaders in securing additional support for CANR programs, including workforce development, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture and a wildlife disease initiative. He also revamped the college’s governance structure and created staff training opportunities, while leading the college’s leadership team to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, including the creation of a new administrative position focusing on DEI within the college.

“I’m thrilled to be joining President Schovanec, his leadership team and the campus community as Provost and Senior Vice President,” Hendrick said. “Texas Tech has experienced tremendous growth in size, scope and impact along many dimensions of excellence. People clearly have strong affection for Texas Tech, and I look forward to helping elevate our trajectory further, while ensuring we don’t lose those sight of those aspects that makes this university special. To that end, a big part of my job will be to see that we foster an environment where our successes are shared and inclusive as we work toward achieving greater national and international prominence and impact.”

He has played an integral role in MSU’s continued presence as one of the world’s leading research institutions. CANR averages $130 million annually in total research expenditures, with an additional $30 million in contracts and grants administered in MSU Extension. MSU recently ranked No. 146 globally in the Center for World University Rankings and No. 59 among U.S. institutions. In the latest Center for Measuring University Performance’s The Top American Research Universities, Michigan State ranked No. 31 overall and No. 18 among public universities with more than $650 million in total research expenditures.

Kelly Millenbah recommended as MSU CANR interim dean

Previously, Hendrick spent seven years at The Ohio State University in various roles within the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, including Director of the School of Environment and Natural Resources (2009-13), Senior Associate Dean (2013-15) and Acting Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Dean (2015-16).

He began his career as a faculty member at the University of Georgia (UGA), where he eventually became the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. He also was graduate program coordinator for UGA’s School of Forestry and a founding co-director of the Consortium for Accelerated Pine Productivity Studies academic-industry partnership.

His research has focused on forest ecosystem productivity and element cycling, especially below ground, and various aspects of ecosystem restoration and reclamation. His teaching experience includes leading a number of study abroad programs in the South Pacific, including New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica.

Hendrick earned his bachelor and doctoral degrees from MSU in forestry and forest ecology, respectively.

“I would like to acknowledge SP&A Executive Search, along with the university’s search committee, for an exhaustive process that presented five highly qualified candidates,” Schovanec said. “I would also like to extend a special recognition to search chair Joe Heppert, Vice President for Research & Innovation, for leading this important search.”

– Chris Cook, Texas Tech University

Photo: Ronald L. Hendrick, dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU), has been appointed provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Texas Tech University,