Director, School of Nursing and Allied Health

Director, School of Nursing and Allied Health
Position Description

Western Kentucky University (WKU) invites nominations, applications, or expressions of interest for the position of Director of the School of Nursing and Allied Health (SONAH).

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, the Director oversees the teaching, research, service, and clinical missions of the School of Nursing and Allied Health. SONAH is integral to the campus community and is recognized throughout the region for the high quality educational, research and clinical experiences offered to students. The Director will lead efforts to strategically identify and develop new opportunities for program growth, scholarship and community service.

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY – a city with approximately 75,336 residents. Bowling Green is the county seat for Warren County – which has a total population of 134,554 – making it the fifth-most populous county in Kentucky. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents. We take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU at https://www.wku.edu/about. Learn more about Bowling Green at https://www.visitbgky.com/visit/about-bgky/.

College of Health and Human Services

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), founded in 2002, prepares health and human service professionals who will work to improve the quality of life in their communities and beyond. CHHS consists of the following seven academic units, including: Departments of Applied Human Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Social Work, and Schools of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport and Nursing and Allied Health.

CHHS offers 16 undergraduate majors leading to baccalaureate degrees. Some majors offer concentrations, which provide additional options within these programs. Two (2) associate degree programs, 12 undergraduate certificates, and 12 minors are also offered. At the graduate level, there are 9 master’s degree programs and 11 graduate certificates. In addition, 2 professional doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Physical Therapy are offered.

CHHS oversees the South-Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Center for Applied Science in Health and Aging (CASHA), the Center for Environmental and Workplace Health (CEWH), and the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research (LCCWEAR). Centers or clinics reporting to a unit within CHHS include the Institute for Rural Health, the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Center, the Training Resource Center, the Dental Hygiene Clinic, and the Communication Disorders Clinic. These clinics and centers provide on campus applied learning opportunities, including clinical experiences, field work, and/or internships, where students apply the theories and concepts discussed in the classroom.

The Medical Center-WKU Health Sciences Complex, a 73,471 square-foot, three-story facility, on the Medical Center’s campus, is home to WKU’s nursing and physical therapy programs.

School of Nursing and Allied Health

The School of Nursing and Allied Health (SONAH) prepares undergraduate and graduate students to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. Through the use of service and inter-professional learning opportunities, students are prepared to function in an increasingly global society and to provide creative evidence based, and ethical solutions for complex healthcare issues. The desire for lifelong learning is instilled in graduates as a means to continue personal and professional development and to affect positive change in healthcare systems and policy.

SONAH offers the following nursing programs: LPN to Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Master Entry to Professional Nursing concentration (MEPN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner & Nurse Executive concentrations. The BSN and graduate programs at WKU are accredited by AACN-CCNE. The ASN program is accredited by ACEN. In addition, all WKU nursing programs are approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

SONAH offers the following dental hygiene programs: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, which has two track options. All dental hygiene programs are accredited by the Council of Dental Education/Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Position and Responsibilities

The SONAH Director will be a visionary leader who is a collaborative, innovative individual who will lead efforts in program development, research growth, and community engagement. The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services and oversees all administrative aspects of the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Responsibilities will include:

  • Guiding the School’s strategic vision, ensuring that the activities align with College and University priorities;
  • Participating in and providing academic leadership for teaching, service, and scholarly activities;
  • Ensuring a high level of service to students, supported by effective implementation of programs, policies and services that enable fulfillment of SONAH’s mission and goals;
  • Recruiting, developing, retaining, and evaluating faculty committed to strong teaching, research/scholarship, and service;
  • Facilitating productive and professional working relationships with SONAH faculty;
  • Leading effective student recruitment and retention efforts across Nursing and Dental Hygiene programs;
  • Working with the administrative leadership and faculty of SONAH to effectively plan and implement curricular efforts;
  • Strategically seeking and allocating SONAH resources to ensure excellence in all programs;
  • Promoting pursuit of grants and fund-raising;
  • Advancing college-wide priorities through development/fundraising programs;
  • Encouraging, strengthening, and broadening alumni and community relations;
  • Advising the Dean on school-related academic matters, such as accreditation needs, development and evaluation of academic programs, budgetary and personnel matters;
  • Working with accreditation agencies to achieve and maintain compliance and standards;
  • Leading staff within the Director’s office to include supporting staff professional development and growth;
  • Establishing, maintaining and enhancing communications and coordination of efforts with faculty, staff, students and external constituencies;
  • Fostering collaborations with healthcare partners throughout the region; and
  • Leading by example in the promotion of professional growth and development within SONAH.

Job Requirements

The Director will hold a doctorate and will be qualified for appointment as an associate or full professor with tenure. A minimum of five years of nursing experience within the immediate past seven years and a minimum of two years of full-time teaching experience at or above the academic level of the program of nursing is required. It is also required that the selected candidate obtain nursing licensure in Kentucky upon appointment to the position of Director.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition, it is preferred, that the successful candidate possesses the following:

  • Successful record of leadership experience relevant to nursing and/or dental hygiene;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs;
  • Exemplary record of scholarship and community service;
  • Ability to attract and retain innovative and creative faculty;
  • Ability to serve as an advocate for faculty and students;
  • Strong budgeting and financial planning experience;
  • Significant experience in development of innovative programs, distance learning, and collaborative endeavors;
  • A commitment to the utilization of technology for the advancement of instruction, research, and clinical excellence;
  • Commitment to building and enhancing collaborations within the school and across campus;
  • Broad knowledge of the healthcare environment and projected needs within the state and nation;
  • Strong commitment to community engagement;
  • Experience in developing and building new programs;
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity; and
  • Ability to promote a balance among teaching, research, and clinical responsibilities.

Application Process

The Search Committee invites nominations, applications (a letter of interest, comprehensive curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five or more references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting Western Kentucky University (electronic submissions preferred). Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. It is preferred, however, that nominations and applications be submitted prior to September 29, 2023.

Porsha Williams, Vice President
Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal
Jack McGrew, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
Parker Executive Search
5 Concourse Parkway Suite 2875
Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 804-1996 X 111
janderson@parkersearch.com || jmcgrew@parkersearch.com
www.parkersearch.com

For more information, please visit the School of Nursing and Allied Health website: https://www.wku.edu/nursing/

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Applicants with disabilities, who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, may contact the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO) at (270) 745-5121 or the Department of Human Resources at (270) 745-5360 for information and assistance.