Assistant/Associate Professor of Nursing and BSN Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) invites applications for a full-time, tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor of Nursing & BSN Program Director. This position provides both academic leadership and teaching within the prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic excellence and continuous growth.

The Program Director collaborates with nursing faculty and the Associate Dean of the College of Business and Health Sciences to provide strategic vision, operational leadership, and oversight of the BSN program. The successful candidate will serve as an innovative and proactive leader, assuring high standards and effective delivery of the program. Along with leading the expansion of the program to meet workforce demands, the Program Director will assist with the planning of the new Health Science and Wellness Building.

As an Assistant/Associate Professor of Nursing, the successful applicant will engage in the development, delivery, and management of a variety of learning experiences that support student growth, professional preparation, and achievement of learning outcomes. Nebraska Wesleyan University expects all faculty members to work collaboratively and professionally with colleagues across the institution to promote a supportive academic environment and advance shard goals of the department, university, and student community.

The Program Director's performance will be evaluated after the first two years, with an opportunity to continue serving in this administrative capacity following satisfactory evaluation. Faculty rank will be determined by the provost, based on qualifications and experience. While tenure-track faculty positions typically follow a nine-month contract with a 24-credit annual teaching load, this leadership role includes reassigned time for administrative responsibilities, and a stipend for summer program director work.

Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private, independent Methodist liberal arts and science university serving approximately 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students in Lincoln, Nebraska. The University's steadfast commitment, which emphasizes learning through action via internships, service learning and collaborative research, has yielded tremendous outcomes for students and alumni.

Key Program Director Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Administration

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in collaboration with the associate dean.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, state board of nursing regulations, and CCNE accreditation standards
• Lead curriculum planning, implementation, evaluation, and revision in alignment with professional nursing standards and workforce needs
• Prepare and submit required reports, assessments, and accreditation documentation
• Manage program budgets, resources, and instructional infrastructure in collaboration with the associate dean and university administration
• Lead program assessment, student learning outcomes evaluation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives
• Oversee student recruitment, admission processes, progression, retention, and graduation outcomes
• Address student concerns, academic appeals, and program-level issues as needed

1. Faculty Leadership and Management
   • In collaboration with the associate dean, recruit, onboard, and mentor, full-time, adjunct and clinical nursing faculty
   • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive faculty culture
   • Coordinate faculty workload assignments, teaching schedules, and clinical coverage in collaboration with the associate dean
   • Lead program-level meetings

1. Clinical & Community Partnerships
   • Establish and maintain effective relationships with clinical agencies and community partners
   • Ensure adequate, high-quality clinical placement opportunities for students
   • Collaborate with clinical partners to support student learning and workforce readiness
   • Monitor and evaluate clinical learning environments for quality and compliance

1. Assessment, Outcomes, & Data Management

• Monitor key performance indicators including licensure exam pass rates, completion rates, and employment outcomes
• Use data to inform curricular and programmatic improvements
• Ensure accurate record keeping and reporting related to students, faculty, and program outcomes

Key Faculty Responsibilities

1. Teaching, Instruction, and Advising
   • Teach primarily undergraduate, with the possibility of some graduate instruction, nursing courses across didactic, laboratory, simulation, and clinical settings, including Pathophysiology
   • Develop and deliver high-quality instruction using evidence-based teaching practices
   • Evaluate student performance and provide timely, constructive feedback
   • Integrate simulation, technology, and active learning into coursework
   • Maintain clinical competence appropriate to teaching assignments
   • Maintain regular office hours and support student engagement through accessible communication and advising
   • Ensure a safe, organized, and effective learning environment, including appropriate use of instructional facilities and equipment.

1. Service & Institutional Engagement
   • Participate and/or serve in departmental, college, and university meetings, committees, and shared governance activities

• Participate in accreditation, assessment, and strategic planning
• Represent the BSN program and the university, internally and externally, through professional organizations, clinical partnerships, and community engagement
• Support the mission, values, and goals of the institution
  • Assure effective and open communication at all levels of responsibility

Qualifications:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution required; Doctoral degree (DNP/PhD) or near completion will be given preference
• Teaching and/or clinical expertise in Pathophysiology preferred; additional specialty areas may be considered
• Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in Nebraska required
• Experience teaching in undergraduate and/or graduate nursing education, including BSN programs
• Prior academic leadership experience in nursing education (e.g., program director, assistant/associate director, department chair, or course coordinator) desired
• Knowledge of state board regulations and national nursing accreditation standards
• Ability to lead curriculum development, assessment, and continuous program improvement initiatives
• Strong organizational, administrative, and decision-making skills
• Commitment to student success, academic excellence, equity, and inclusive learning environments
• Excellent critical thinking, written and interpersonal communication skills

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

Apply at:

Applicants are encouraged to address how their experiences and contributions would align with NWU's Mission and Core Values. This can be stated in the cover letter or in a separate document.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nebraska Wesleyan University provides equal educational and employment opportunities to qualified persons in all areas of university operation without regard to religion or creed, age, genetic information, gender identity and expression, sexual identity and orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, race, or national or ethnic origin, in compliance with state and federal laws, including but not limited to Title XII, Title IX, and the ADA. E-Verify, EOE.