Abstract

This research describes three perspectives on values held by agricultural and natural resources faculty toward teaching, research, extension, and service at land-grant institutions, which demonstrates differing prioritization of faculty academic work. Using Q methodology, 24 faculty from one institution sorted their opinions about their priorities toward teaching, research, extension, and service. Satisfied Faculty value mentorship and making an impact in their field professionally through research and the development of knowledge. Servant Faculty values are uniquely focused on students, teaching, and investment in the university above all other work areas. Scholarly Faculty seek to establish a respected reputation as a contributor to their field’s knowledge base with continuous improvement in all aspects of their academic position. When viewed through the lens of the land-grant mission, the four academic work areas are most balanced among Satisfied Faculty, with teaching and service work emphasized by Servant Faculty, and research work valued more by Scholarly Faculty. The role of extension and related academic work, although an integral component of the land-grant mission, were not a core value consistently reported among the three perspectives. As agricultural college administration considers what academic work is vital to faculty, these subjective perspectives provide valuable information to shape the direction of academic reward structures and position priorities.