Mission or Goal of Unit:
The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry is located in downtown Richmond, Virginia. With a 130-year history, Virginia’s only dental school provides opportunities for selected, qualified individuals to study dentistry and oral health through a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) program, graduate specialty training programs and a dental hygiene program. The VCU School of Dentistry is one of a small number of dental schools in the country affiliated with an academic medical center, the only dental school in the Commonwealth, and the second oldest dental school in the U.S. It is one of five health sciences academic programs on the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus of VCU.
Chief Purpose of this position:
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry is seeking applicants for a full-time faculty position to serve as the Assistant Dean for Student Services. The primary purpose of this position is to administer and oversee all student-related activities and programs for pre-doctoral dental students and undergraduate dental hygiene students. The Assistant Dean for Student Services reports directly to the Dean of the School of Dentistry and works collaboratively with the school’s leadership including Assistant / Associate Deans, Department Chairs, and Program Directors as well as University and System colleagues.
Position Responsibilities:
- Oversee all student-related activities including student organizations, student government activities, and student travel to represent the School of Dentistry
- Ensure that all students are served effectively and supported at all stages of the student experience by serving as the chief advocate and first point of contact for students facing a wide range of educational, personal and/or professional challenges
- Implement effective retention strategies to facilitate academic progress including development of a student mentor/mentee network and tutoring program within the school
- Serve as a member of the Academic Progress Committee to continually monitor student progression and develop resources for academic advising
- Manage the School of Dentistry milestone events; Orientation, White Coat Ceremony, Senior Awards Ceremony, Graduation, etc.
- Oversee management of ASDA/SGC funding for more than 20 student groups, approval of new student groups, and oversight of student elections
- Serve as a liaison to the school’s Financial Aid Office and all other University offices dedicated to student services
- Collaborate with University Counseling Services and Student Health to ensure appropriate referrals for wellness
- Oversee the Office of Student Services through the direct and indirect supervision of the Director for Student Services and other support staff
- Represent the School of Dentistry nationally through the American Dental Education Association and at other related professional meetings
- Teaching across traditional department lines and in multidisciplinary teams is required. All faculty members in the School of Dentistry are expected to teach in an integrated curriculum system that includes baccalaureate, graduate, and professional education
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced or terminal degree in related field
- Extensive experience in student engagement including a minimum of 3 years of advising or other significant student interaction/mentoring experience at the university level
- Experience and knowledge of academic and student affairs workflows, student recruitment, admissions, and support
- Ability to represent the school effectively and build relations with external and internal parties
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and critical thinking skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to, advocate for, and participate in a humanistic environment of learning
Preferred Qualifications:
- Training, degree work, or experience in counseling, social work or related fields
- Experience working in a public university setting, preferably in a dental or medical school
Please Note:
Three recent letters of reference or contact information for at least three references will also be required for consideration.
Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 1
Tenure: Open
Rank: Open
Months: 12
Department:
School of Dentistry, Dean's Office
Salary: Commensurate, up to $120,000
ORP Eligibility: Yes
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Dr. Sharon Lanning
Contact Email: sklanning@vcu.edu
Contact Phone:
