Description

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education to oversee our undergraduate program curriculum, student admissions, progression, outcomes, and faculty development. This position is responsible for BSN curricular activities and ensuring program compliance with state, regional, and national accreditation standards.

The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education position is being offered in both tenured and non-tenured appointment tracks. Candidates may apply to the option that best aligns with their academic rank and career path. An anticipated start date of July 2026. The start date is negotiable. The position is located at the University Park campus.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. A startup package to support the successful candidates' research or scholarship program is negotiable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Academic Leadership:

• Provide strategic oversight and administration of undergraduate nursing programs across all campuses, ensuring academic quality and operational consistency.
• Lead curriculum development, evaluation, and continuous improvement to maintain alignment with accreditation and licensure standards.
• Ensure full compliance with state and national regulatory and accrediting bodies governing nursing education.
• Collaborate with Undergraduate Assistant Deans, Campus Directors, and Campus Administrators to recruit and retain highly qualified faculty.
• Supervise teaching faculty and staff, including hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Manage the procurement, renewal, and oversight of healthcare partnership agreements to support student clinical education needs.
• Coordinate clinical placements and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with healthcare facilities and community partners.
• Oversee and support the academic promotion process for non-tenure line teaching faculty within the college.

Student Success:

• Collaborate in the design and execution of strategic initiatives to recruit and retain high-caliber undergraduate nursing students.
• Provide leadership for student recruitment, retention, and success efforts across all campuses.
• Oversee the operations of the Student Success Center and the Simulation Laboratory to ensure they effectively support student learning, academic achievement, and clinical skill development. Monitor student academic progress and address concerns related to academics, compliances, and clinical performance.
• Participate in the review, development, and oversight of academic policies to ensure equitable and consistent application.
• Promote the nursing program across the Commonwealth through active student engagement, recruitment efforts, and outreach initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, and peer universities within the Commonwealth and beyond.

Administrative and Strategic Planning:

• Prepare, manage, and oversee the undergraduate nursing program budget to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret program data to support ongoing evaluation, accreditation, and strategic planning efforts.
• Represent the undergraduate nursing program in college-wide and external meetings, serving as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate scheduling of courses and clinical rotations to optimize faculty workload, student needs, and clinical site availability.

Accreditation and Compliance:

• Ensure the undergraduate nursing program consistently meets or exceeds standards established by national and state accrediting and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare and submit required documentation for faculty approvals, curriculum changes, and licensure of graduates.
• Remain current with emerging educational technologies and pedagogical best practices, integrating innovative tools to enhance teaching and learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• A doctorate in nursing or a closely related field.
• Candidates will have attained the rank of Teaching Professor before their appointment start date in Nursing.
• Candidates must hold a current U.S. registered nurse license and eligibility for licensure in Pennsylvania.

Experience:

• Experience in academic administration with undergraduate nursing education programs.
• Leadership experience in undergraduate curricular development, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• A keen understanding of the key issues and opportunities in the nursing profession and nursing education, coupled with knowledge of current trends in innovative undergraduate education.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate faculty and lead teams in a dynamic environment.
• Evidence of interprofessional collaboration and a track record of educational program funding preferred.
• Scholarship in various aspects of nursing education, such as innovative and interprofessional teaching methodologies.
• Fiscal experience in terms of developing and monitoring budgets and other resources for academic affairs.
• Experience in developing strategic plans and providing visionary leadership for academic programs.
• Documented experience in professional scholarship and presentation.
• Possess an understanding of management challenges that present themselves in highly complex academic environments.

Personal Characteristics:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and academic leaders across the University.
• Self-motivated, approachable, and visible leader who has an open-door policy and empowers others.
• A highly professional, inclusive, and mature individual who is trustworthy and exemplifies honesty and integrity.
• An open, articulate, engaging, approachable, and innovative leader who offers clarity and inspires respect and credibility. The candidate will generate enthusiasm and passion for this work.
• Demonstrates creative problem-solving skills with the willingness to take the initiative in leading and managing change.
• An effective consensus builder and consummate team player who has a proven history of providing timely follow-up.
• Has strong negotiation and persuasion skills and the ability to work with multiple individuals to bring about a broad perspective.
• A well-organized, analytical, politically savvy, self-directed individual with excellent time management skills.
• Possesses a high level of diplomacy and maintains a culture of integrity.