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Siena Heights University (www.sienaheights.edu), a private, Catholic university located in Adrian, Michigan, seeks nominations and applications for the position of Inaugural Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Reporting to the Provost, the Inaugural Dean is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the Nursing and Health Sciences programs of the University. Duties include evaluating faculty members, evaluating, improving, and creating academic programs, ensuring that they meet academic standards, accreditation standards, and program learning outcomes. The Dean must ensure that the clinical programs meet the requirements of the Michigan State Board of Nursing, as well as CCNE accreditation. The Dean also ensures compliance and integrity with the pre-licensure, RN-BSN, and MSN programs, while looking to grow Exercise Science as well as launch other allied health programs. The Dean oversees the coordination of student clinical placement and experiential learning.

The Dean is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the Nursing program meet and maintain the accreditation standards. S/he reviews data, such as student retention, making and implementing plans to improve recruitment, retention, and the student experience. The Dean oversees the finances of the School, which may include seeking external funding and grants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate the accomplishment of the scholarships of teaching, research, creative, and scholarly activities.
• Engage clear and effective leadership to support recruitment efforts to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion among staff, faculty, and students.
• Be the academic and administrative leader of the School.
• Keep the faculty, students, staff, and administration fully informed concerning the educational and financial status of the Nursing and Health Sciences Programs.
• Maintain effective relationships with alumni, as well as internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with internal and external constituents to ensure support for the School.
• Serve as chief fiscal and personnel manager for the School.
• Represent the School to all other units at the University.
• Oversee academic, research, professional development, practice, and service for the School.
• Oversee and conduct the evaluation of School faculty and staff.
• Make recommendations for initial appointment, promotion, and rank.
• Lead School- and Program-specific evaluation plans.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Strong commitment to the ideals of Catholic higher education and Siena Heights University’s mission.
• A doctoral degree.
• Eligibility for registration with the Michigan Board of Nursing.
• Eligible for RN license in the state of Michigan.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in an administrative position in an academic setting.
• Progressive experience in Nursing higher education, research, grant acquisition, and success in leading an academic organization.
• Demonstrated success as a team player who can engage successfully with colleagues from within and external to the University.
• A collaborative leadership and management style that empowers faculty, students, and staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to convey a collaborative, solutions-oriented style to help lead change.
• A record of advancement, partnership development, and successful networking.
• Strong fiduciary and budget management skills.
• Successful experience with Schools or Departments of Nursing that provide undergraduate, graduate, online, on-the-ground, and degree completion.
• An advocate for the role of information technology in educating the next generation of Nursing, Health Sciences, and Allied Health students.
• Advocate for the School within the university, as well as at the local, state, and national networks.

Founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Siena Heights is a Catholic university offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, sciences, business, nursing, education, engineering, and more. The University is committed to the values of truth, justice, peace, and compassion, and seeks to prepare students for leadership and service in a diverse and global society.

Siena Heights University is being assisted by the partners of Hyatt-Fennell. Nominations and applications should be submitted to sienaheightsnursing@Hyatt-Fennell.com. Applications include a letter of interest (indicating how you would understand and support the Catholic identity and the Dominican mission of the University), a current curriculum vitae, and contact information for five professional references. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.

Siena Heights University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status in the institution’s programs or activities or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The University promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons and veterans.