Academic Dean, College of Sciences & General Studies

Job Title: Dean, Academic

Department: College of Sciences and General Studies

Entity: Baptist Health Sciences University

Reports to: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Please submit the following materials with your application:

• Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Five Professional References

Job Summary:

Provides leadership for the Baptist University College of Sciences & General Studies through effective planning, academic innovation, and resource management. Under the administrative direction of the Provost, the Dean oversees associate, baccalaureate, and (future) master's-level programs across the sciences and general studies curriculum, ensuring alignment with the University's mission and health sciences focus. Responsible for the academic, operational, and personnel management of the college, the Dean fosters excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, while building partnerships that enhance student learning, workforce readiness, and community engagement.

The person in this position will serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). A CSA has significant responsibility for student and campus activities and is designated as an individual to whom students and employees should report criminal offenses. It is the responsibility of the CSA to report to the Security Office all allegations of crimes. Responsible for the department 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and for resolving issues which may occur at any time during the week.

Job Responsibilities:

• Leads college strategy and planning, aligning short- and long-term goals with University initiatives and external workforce needs. Develops and implements college goals; monitors effectiveness; and drives continuous improvement.

• Supports enrollment management and student success, including recruitment, advising, retention, and progression policies. Collaborates with University leadership to promote program growth, market responsiveness, and seamless student pathways from general studies into professional health sciences programs.

• Oversees curriculum development and academic quality, ensuring programs meet student learning outcomes, accreditation standards (SACSCOC and other applicable professional bodies), and industry expectations. Promotes high-impact educational practices including innovation and digital transformation in teaching and learning, interprofessional education, and integration of faith, science, and service. Provides faculty leadership through recruiting, onboarding, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff. Supports faculty development in teaching, scholarship, and practice; oversees promotion and advancement processes; and fosters a collaborative, student-centered culture.

• Champions faculty participation in formal course review processes facilitated by the Center for Learning and Innovative Pedagogy to ensure continuous improvement of teaching and learning practices, alignment with institutional standards, and adoption of evidence-based instructional strategies.

• Manages college operations and resources, including academic scheduling, budget planning, capital requests, payroll, and technology needs. Allocates resources effectively to support innovation, equity, and instructional quality.

• Ensures compliance with all external requirements, including regional (SACSCOC), professional accrediting agencies, and regulatory bodies (e.g., Joint Commission, state requirements). Leads program reviews, assessment cycles, and accreditation reporting.

• Expands partnerships and community engagement by cultivating relationships with healthcare providers, educational institutions, and industry partners to support clinical placements, service-learning, and employment pipelines.

• Responsible for the department 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and for resolving issues which may occur at any time during the week.

• Performs related accountabilities as assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge/Education

• Earned doctorate in a discipline related to the sciences, general studies, curriculum and instruction, educational administration/supervision, adult education, or closely related field from an accredited university.
• Proficiency in applying advanced concepts, principles, and techniques of learning theories, curriculum design, assessment, and educational practices at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's levels.

Experience

• Five (5) years of full-time college/university teaching experience.
• Five (5) years of progressive and significant academic leadership (program director, department chair, associate dean, or similar role) with oversight of multi-level programs.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop, manage, evaluate, and promote faculty, staff, and academic/educational programs.
• Experience with program and institutional accreditation (e.g., SACSCOC and, as applicable, discipline-specific professional agencies).

Licensure, Registration

• Current license/certification to practice in the State of Tennessee, as appropriate to the individual's professional discipline.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge/Education/Experience

• Eight (8) years of progressive and significant leadership in higher education with a focus on sciences, general studies, or health sciences programs.
• Experience in curriculum innovation, including interprofessional education, high-impact practices, and technology-enhanced learning.
• Experience cultivating partnerships with healthcare providers, industry, or community organizations.
• Record of scholarly activity, grant writing, or securing external funding in support of academic programs.

Licensure, Registration

• Current license/certification to practice in the State of Tennessee, as appropriate.