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POSITION SPECIFICS
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.
This is a tenured faculty appointment as an Academic Administrator at the rank of Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 2026. The start date is negotiable. The position is located at the University Park campus.
Penn State offers a comprehensive 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 full rank of 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.
Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing:
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is one of the most comprehensive colleges of nursing in any public university in the country. With over $17 million in research expenditures since the college’s inception in 2013, the college has been awarded over $8 million for gerontology research, over $4 million for the development of a sexual assault forensic examination telehealth center (SAFE-T Center), and approximately $1.5 million to support clinical and translational science. Recently, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing in recognition of the college’s commitment to the investment in its faculty, Penn State Nursing is poised to support you throughout your time on its faculty and beyond.
With over 2,100 undergraduate students and approximately 200 graduate students, our footprint is worldwide, with our faculty creating immeasurable experiences for our students around the globe. We offer four undergraduate program options as well as six advanced degree programs. The Nese College of Nursing enjoys the distinction of being the only named nursing school in the Big 10. Being fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) with programmatic approval from the State Board of Nursing, the Nese College of Nursing is a premier educator for nurses across the Commonwealth, delivering its award-winning curriculum across 12 Penn State Campus locations, including Hershey Medical Center.
The Nese College of Nursing resides primarily at the University Park Campus. Set in the State College metropolitan area, a university town located in central Pennsylvania, State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. Further, State College’s proximity to Penn State affords a variety of cultural events and experiences for local residents ensuring a rich, inclusive community. The campus is within a half-day’s drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, or Pittsburgh. The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit.
Penn State:
The Pennsylvania State University is one of the largest public research and land grant universities in the country, serving over 83,000 students at 24 campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Penn State consistently ranks as a top twenty-five research university and its research enterprise ranks first nationally, tied with Johns Hopkins University, in the breadth and depth of its expertise. Penn State is a Research 1 university, a category employed by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to indicate universities in the United States that engage in the highest levels of research activity.
Penn State’s unique educational model spans twenty-five campuses, including World Campus, that educate more than 100,000 students every year and drive innovation and quality of life in communities all over the world.
Application Process:
To apply, candidates must electronically submit the following. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cover letter describing interest in and qualification for the position
Current curriculum vitae (CV)
Contact information of four professional references (References will not be contacted without prior consultation with the candidate.)
Applicants must submit their application and accompanying materials online at the PSU job site (https://hr.psu.edu/careers).
Review of applications will begin on November 21, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.
Information on the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and its programs can be found at http://www.nursing.psu.edu/.
For more information or questions about this position, please contact:
Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
201 Nursing Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802
Dr. Vinciya Pandian, Search Chair
Email: [email protected]
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. 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.
For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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