Principal Faculty

Principal Faculty Member

The Principal Faculty member in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies is responsible for the development, delivery, and evaluation of didactic and clinical skills instruction throughout the academic year. Faculty responsibilities include classroom teaching, laboratory and clinical skills instruction, student advising and mentorship, curriculum support, and participation in departmental and university service activities. Academic rank is commensurate with the candidate's academic preparation and professional experience.

The Principal Faculty member is expected to maintain a consistent on-campus presence to support instructional, advising, and student engagement responsibilities. The position includes a flexible weekly schedule that allows one day to be dedicated to clinical practice and/or scholarly activity in support of professional development and program advancement.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Generate and deliver classroom lectures and clinical skills instruction within the PA courses they are assigned.
• Course director or module director, as determined by the Director of Didactic Education.
• Design original or modify existing curricula to correlate with established or new course and program outcomes.
• Implement curricula in harmony with the educational approach of the program through active course direction to ensure core competencies of entry-level graduate PAs.
• Mentor, instruct, and evaluate students.
• Oversee classroom activity, assessment, and evaluation of instruction for didactic and clinical year students.
• Participate in bi-weekly didactic curriculum meetings.
• Participate in admissions processes by scoring qualifying CASPA applications, interviewing candidates, and rendering selection decisions.
• Participate as a member or chair of program-level committees as requested by the Program Director.
• Represent the program through service on College and University committees.
• Pursue professional development activities such as clinical practice, scholarly works, or an advanced degree.
• Participate in activities of the state, regional, and national organizations to promote a positive image of the PA concept within academic, lay, and professional communities.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Required Credentials

• PA, NP, or Physician
  • PA candidates must be a graduate of an accredited PA program, NCCPA certified, and hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Physician candidates must possess current board certification and licensure as an allopathic or osteopathic physician in the preferred state of practice.
  • Nurse Practitioner candidates must hold a current unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina, a compact state, or be eligible for licensure in North Carolina.
• Current or eligible for a North Carolina (or preferred state) medical or nurse practitioner license.

Required Qualifications

• Possess a minimum of two (2) years of clinical practice experience.
• Be an advocate for the PA profession and be interested in advancing the profession's future.
• Possess a strong commitment to underserved populations and improving healthcare access
• Possess strong interpersonal abilities with excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with students, staff, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Exhibit enthusiasm about working in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• PA with a doctorate from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience in teaching and curriculum development.
• Experience in the program accreditation process

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.