Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, School of Nursing

The Widener University School of Nursing is currently seeking a dynamic leader for a full-time, 12-month Associate Dean position for Undergraduate Programs on the Chester campus beginning in AY2025-26. Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, provides leadership to the program directors, faculty, course coordinators, and level coordinators of all programs, especially focusing on program operations.

The School of Nursing, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence, is known for its collegial and supportive faculty environment. We offer comprehensive faculty mentorship, opportunities for faculty development, and exceptional opportunities for engagement both in the School of Nursing and the University.

Duties and Responsibilities: (include but are not limited to)

Programmatic Responsibilities

• Provides oversight for operations for all undergraduate nursing programs.
• In collaboration with the Course Coordinators and Level Coordinators, supports the planning, delivery, and evaluation of teaching and learning experiences required for delivery of the curriculum.
• Curricular review and development for undergraduate programs.
• Oversees management of undergraduate student issues, including but not limited to recruitment, admissions, progression, and graduation.
• Oversees approval of graduation lists.
• Maintains liaison between SON programs and other university offices regarding student academic matters.

Administrative

• Collaborates with members of the SON to assure updates of resources such as the website, undergraduate student handbooks and university catalogs.
• Collaborates with relevant personnel to finalize course schedules and course room assignments.
• Collaborates with the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and faculty in relationship to the schedule and workload
• Represents or acts for the Dean in the Dean’s absence, and as directed by the Dean serves on campus and SON committees and serves as an advisor to the Dean on matters related to personnel, governance and organization of the SON and its component units and programs.
• Participates in other duties as assigned.

Budget and Program Development

• Development of new and innovative programs/tracks in the SON including budget, resource utilization and staffing
• Participates in securing grant funding to enhance academic opportunities and financial support for students and programs.
• Assures dissemination of scholarship funds, in collaboration with the SON Undergraduate Programs Committee.
• Assist with budget projections for each fiscal year.

Quality Improvement

• Takes primary responsibility for enhancing the quality of academic programs through collaboration with relevant personnel.
• Oversees completion of scheduled evaluation activities (See current Program Evaluation Plan).
• Monitors outcomes measures and provides data to the Undergraduate Programs Committee, Strategic Alignment and Evaluation Committee
• Collaborates with relevant personnel regarding data management

Teaching

• Responsible for teaching 6 credits of nursing courses per academic year.
• Design and use evidence-based teaching strategies in course preparation and delivery.

Hiring/Orientation/Evaluation of faculty

• Implement the search committee process as co-chair.
• Participates in the orientation of new faculty and instructional academic staff.
• Collaborates with the Director of Undergraduate Clinical Placement to recruit, hire, and evaluate adjunct faculty members for undergraduate didactic classes, and clinical groups.
• Drafts letters for faculty RPT packets

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (education/training and experience required):

• Earned research doctorate in nursing or related field
• Master’s degree with a major in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and from a nationally accredited School of Nursing
• Licensed as a registered nurse in the State of Pennsylvania or multistate license;
• Scholarship and professional and experience for a university faculty appointment
• A minimum of six years of experience in nursing education with increasing levels of academic leadership;
• Proven track record of securing grant funding.
• Teaching experience, with expert level of knowledge surrounding pedagogy and course delivery;
• Experience with undergraduate education;
• Analytical skills pertinent to budget planning and outcomes assessment;
• Expertise with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• May require availability in the evening and participation in recruitment and other events in the evening and on weekends.
• Travel may be required.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington.

EOE M/F/V/D