Bay College - Dean of Nursing and Allied Health

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Bay de Noc Community College (Bay College) in its search for Dean of Nursing and Allied Health.  

This is an exceptional leadership opportunity to join a thriving and well-established nursing program at a college serving as the cornerstone of healthcare education in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With overall enrollment up 16%, the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health will lead a college on a growth trajectory and play a key role in shaping the future of nursing and health education in the region. Supported by a dedicated capital budget, Bay College’s nursing program is committed to providing cutting-edge educational resources for students and faculty alike. The Iron Mountain campus is currently undergoing a major simulation lab upgrade. As an architect of this innovation, the Dean will provide inclusive and visionary leadership, management, and strategic direction for the Nursing and Allied Health Division. The Dean will also collaborate with faculty and other stakeholders to promote student success, enhance and sustain program quality, and foster community partnerships. Bay College is deeply integrated into the local community and committed to addressing the rural healthcare workforce needs. There are strong partnerships already in place with healthcare facilities across the Upper Peninsula, at hospitals like OSF St. Francis in Escanaba, Dickinson County Healthcare in Iron Mountain, and other regional medical centers. 

The nursing program is known for its comprehensive and student-centered approach to education. With a curriculum that blends rigorous academic coursework with extensive hands-on clinical experience, students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare field. The program boasts strong NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting the effectiveness of its teaching methods and the dedication of its experienced faculty. Additionally, Bay College provides state-of-the-art simulation labs, small class sizes for personalized learning, and a supportive community that fosters both professional and personal growth. These features ensure that graduates are not only competent nurses but also compassionate caregivers ready to make a difference in their communities.  

This role includes oversight of planning, scheduling, budgeting, curriculum development, and compliance with accrediting bodies. Responsibilities also include establishing articulation agreements, recruiting and supervising faculty, managing student admissions for allied health programs, and ensuring programs meet standards of accreditation, all while upholding the college’s mission, values, and strategic plan.  

This position reports to Vice President of Academic Affairs & Educational Equity and supervises the Academic Affairs Coordinator, Allied Health Student Success Managers, Allied Health Simulation and Clinical Coordinator, Simulation/Lab Technicians, and all full-time and part-time faculty within the division.

This is an on-campus role. However, the College offers a 4-day work week during the summer months, with no work on Fridays.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Management: 
  • Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing and allied health programs. 
  • Ensure that all academic offerings align with the college’s mission and meet accreditation standards. 
• Faculty and Staff Supervision: 
  • Hire, onboard, mentor, supervise, and evaluate part-time and full-time faculty. 
  • Provide professional development opportunities to foster a collegial and collaborative environment. 
  • Work within the terms of the full-time and part-time faculty association agreements.  
• Curriculum Development and Assessment: 
  • Oversee the design, development, and continuous improvement of curriculum and course offerings. 
  • Encourage and support faculty in assessing student learning outcomes at all levels. 
• Accreditation and Compliance: 
  • Lead accreditation efforts, including ACEN and HLC, and ensure compliance with the Michigan Board of Nursing and other regulatory bodies. 
  • Maintain the “Systematic Plan for Evaluation” for the nursing department. 
• Partnerships and Articulation Agreements: 
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and affiliating institutions. 
  • Manage articulation agreements and clinical site evaluations. 
• Student Success and Support: 
  • Coordinate nursing student entrance testing, admissions, and academic advising. 
  • Maintain student records and facilitate student success through tutoring and remediation services. 
• Budget and Resource Management: 
  • Participate in budget development, monitor expenditures, and manage resources efficiently. 
• Community and College Engagement: 
  • Represent the College in local, state, and national organizations related to health sciences. Participate in shared governance and serve on committees as needed. 
• Other Duties: 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Academic Affairs & Educational Equity.  
• Travel Requirement: 
  • This position is located on the Escanaba campus. Travel to the Iron Mountain campus twice per month or as needed. Regular personal visitations at clinical sites are an essential job function.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of five years of administrative management experience
• At least two years of teaching experience in a Nursing or Allied Health-related field
• A minimum of five years of experience working as a Registered Nurse
• Current valid Michigan license as a Registered Nurse, or ability to obtain
• Must meet the minimum qualifications required by the Michigan Board of Nursing and other accrediting bodies
• Excellent interpersonal skills including strong written and oral communication
• Demonstrated management and leadership skills
• Experience in analyzing and preparing budgets
• Commitment to the philosophy and mission of a community/technical college
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate degree in nursing or a related allied health field from an accredited institution 
• Experience with ACEN accreditation 
• Knowledge of adult learning practices, research, and theories and pedagogical assessment techniques  
• Familiarity with strategic planning, budget development, and institutional assessment  
• Supervisory and management experience, particularly with faculty governed by a collective bargaining agreement  
• Recent experience as a department chair or program coordinator in a community college setting  
• Previous experience as a Dean of Nursing or Allied Health 
• Previous teaching experience at a community college 

About the Institution

Bay College was established in 1962 and is a rural, public community college with two campuses located in south-central Upper Peninsula- Escanaba and Iron Mountain, Michigan. Bay College, a Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream, offers multiple transfer degrees and a variety of workforce and short-term training programs, community education classes, and provides services to the community. The College contributes to the Upper Peninsula’s vitality as a proactive leader in workforce development, educational partnerships, and cultural events while being well-regarded for providing accessible, affordable education and for being deeply connected to the local economy.

Bay College has strong partnerships with healthcare facilities across the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) to support education and workforce development in the healthcare sector. These collaborations include clinical training opportunities for students in nursing, allied health, and other medical programs, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in hospitals like OSF St. Francis in Escanaba, Dickinson County Healthcare in Iron Mountain, and other regional medical centers. These partnerships help address the rural healthcare worker shortage by preparing graduates to meet the workforce needs of the U.P.'s healthcare system
 
Living in the Area

Bay College is one college with two campuses, serving the central Upper Peninsula. As a home community for our larger campus, Escanaba offers a unique mix of natural beauty, small-town appeal, and affordability, ideal for those who love the outdoors and a relaxed lifestyle. Located on the shores of Little Bay de Noc, part of Lake Michigan, Escanaba provides residents with easy access to beaches, boating, fishing, and beautiful waterfront views. The Iron Mountain campus is surrounded by forests and lakes and showcases breathtaking scenery throughout the year, with especially vibrant fall colors and picturesque winter landscapes. 

Escanaba and Iron Mountain have welcoming, community-centered vibes where neighbors often know each other and come together for local events. The town features year-round community gatherings, quality K-12 schools, and relatively low crime rates, making the area appealing to individuals, families, and retirees alike. Escanaba and Iron Mountain combine the charm of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with a warm, Midwestern spirit. With a cost of living 20.4% lower than the US average and 13% lower than the Michigan average, the Upper Peninsula offers a vibrant quality of life.  

To Apply 

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to BayCollegeDeanNursing@acesrch.com
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institution’s EEO Statement
Bay College is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and campus community at Bay College are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Bay College prohibits discrimination and harassment campus-wide in accordance with and as defined by federal, and state on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or other protected status.

Bay College’s commitment to diversity and equity best positions the student body and personnel from diverse backgrounds to be recruited, retained, graduated, and employed. This focus will sustain and further enhance Bay College's position as a top-ranked institution of higher learning, workforce development, and community partner in an ever-changing, increasingly diverse world.