Associate Dean and Associate or Full Professor

Associate Dean For Accreditation And Assessment

The School of Health Professions at Mississippi State University- Meridian seeks an Associate Dean for Accreditation and Assessment. This position assists the Dean of the School of Health Professions in all areas pertaining to advancing the college's academic mission and strategic initiatives. The School of Health Professions currently houses undergraduate programs in healthcare administration and graduate programs in Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, and Health Services Psychology. The School is experiencing a period of significant growth and expansion, offering a dynamic and opportune time to join its leadership team. This is a full-time, 12-month position that reports directly to the Dean of the School of Health Professions. The faculty appointment will reside in an appropriate department within the School of Health Professions.

Salary Grade: UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Area of Specialization: Accreditation

Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in graduate and undergraduate education.
• Oversee program assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Serve as a key liaison between faculty, department heads, and the Dean's office on matters related to accreditation and graduate education.
• Develop and revise policies and procedures to align with accreditation standards, global best practices, and institutional values.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, industry partners, and accrediting bodies.
• Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to inform program development and strategic decision-making.
• Lead efforts to assess program effectiveness and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Transform data into actionable insights that enhance program quality and advance student success.
• Develop and lead professional development initiatives that enhance capacity and foster a collaborative culture focused on quality assurance and innovation.
• Teach as needed to support the needs of the administrator's home department.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the School (e.g. health sciences, medical sciences, health administration, rehabilitation sciences, psychology, or a related field)
• A strong record of teaching, research, and service appropriate for appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor level
• Demonstrated experience with accreditation standards and processes
• Administrative leadership experience (e.g. department chair, accreditation director, or comparable role)
• Experience with university-wide assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with one or more of the accreditation/certification bodies represented by a program in the School (ARC-PA, CAPTE, CAHME, AUPHA, CAHIIM, APA).
• Strong record of leadership and management skills
• Strong record of research activity
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of Higher Education program accreditation

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Office Setting

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at and attach a cover letter, current curriculum vitae or resume, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references. Inquiries about the position may be directed to Lesley Clack, Dean, School of Health Professions, email View email address on click.appcast.io or phone View phone number on click.appcast.io

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

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