Job Description

Primary Purpose of Organization Unit
The McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing (MESON) is dedicated to advancing excellence in nursing education through its commitment to the tripartite mission of teaching, scholarship, and service. The School prepares highly competent, practice-ready graduates who contribute to improving health outcomes across diverse populations.

MESON places particular emphasis on addressing the healthcare needs of South Central North Carolina, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Through innovative academic programs, strong clinical partnerships, and community engagement, the School supports the development of a responsive and sustainable healthcare workforce and contributes to the mission of the College of Health Sciences and the University.

Faculty within the School are engaged in high-quality instruction, scholarly activity, and service that collectively advance the mission of the College of Health Sciences and the University. The School is led by the Chair of the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing, to whom faculty and academic leaders report.
Primary Purpose of Position
This position is a full-time, tenure-track, 10-month faculty appointment in the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing (MESON). The Assistant Chair reports directly to the Chair, McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing, and serves as a key academic leader supporting the administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

The Assistant Chair maintains an active faculty role, including teaching responsibilities each semester, while receiving a reduced teaching load (two course releases annually) and a summer stipend in recognition of administrative duties.

In collaboration with the Chair, McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing, and Program Directors, the Assistant Chair supports the operational and academic management of nursing programs, including faculty workload assignments, faculty evaluation processes, and coordination of student admissions, progression, and retention initiatives. The role contributes to ensuring program quality, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities.

The Assistant Chair plays a central role in accreditation and regulatory compliance, working closely with program leadership to coordinate and support accreditation processes and reporting requirements for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Additionally, the Assistant Chair provides leadership in faculty development by fostering excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, and by supporting a collaborative academic environment that advances the mission of MESON and the broader College of Health Sciences.

The position includes other responsibilities as assigned by the Chair, McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing, in support of the School’s strategic priorities.
Job Description
The Assistant Chair is a tenure-track faculty member who serves as a key academic and administrative leader within the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing (MESON). Reporting to the Chair, McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing, the Assistant Chair supports the coordination, implementation, and continuous improvement of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

This role balances faculty responsibilities in teaching, scholarship, and service with significant administrative leadership responsibilities. The Assistant Chair contributes to program quality, faculty development, student success, and regulatory compliance, while supporting the School’s strategic growth and mission to improve health outcomes in rural and underserved communities.

The position includes a reduced teaching load (two course releases annually) and a summer stipend in recognition of administrative responsibilities.

Applicant Instructions: Please attach cover letter of interest, current CV and a list of at least three professional references with contact information.
Management Preference
Demonstrated experience in academic leadership within a school or program of nursing (e.g., program director, assistant/associate chair, or equivalent role)
Experience with accreditation processes and reporting, including familiarity with Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) standards and North Carolina Board of Nursing requirements
Evidence of sustained scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and/or grant activity
Experience in curriculum development, program assessment, and continuous quality improvement aligned with accreditation standards
Demonstrated success in faculty mentorship and development, including support for teaching effectiveness, scholarship, and promotion/tenure progression
Experience with student admissions, progression, retention, and student success initiatives in nursing education
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with healthcare agencies and community stakeholders
Experience with online or hybrid program delivery and familiarity with state authorization requirements or distance education compliance
Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in serving rural and underserved populations