Associate Dean Academic Affairs-Rosenberg School of Optometry

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs – Rosenberg School of Optometry Position Summary

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs serves as the chief academic officer and is responsible for the overall administration and operational oversight of the academic programs of the Rosenberg School of Optometry, including curriculum design and innovation, implementation of academic policies, and the development, implementation, and outcomes measurement of the optometric curriculum. The position also handles recruitment, retention, and development of faculty to ensure excellence in teaching, learning, and clinical education.

The Associate Dean reports to the Dean of the Rosenberg School of Optometry and collaborates closely with program directors and institutional partners to advance the school’s mission and strategic academic priorities.

• Design curriculum for didactic and clinical programs; ensure course content validation and compliance; schedule, plan, implement, and execute the academic and clinical program. Ensure that the curriculum is in alignment with institutional expectations, professional competencies, and accreditation standards.
• Serve as lead in the recruitment, retention and development of faculty members.
• Provide leadership and oversight of residency and externship programs.
• Represent school in regional, state and national conferences.
• Collaborate with the Dean and senior leadership to maintain full compliance with accreditation standards, including preparation of self‑studies, annual reports and related documentation. Participate in student recruitment and outreach efforts in partnership with RSO and UIW enrollment teams.
• Develop plan and ensure execution of the integration of the didactic and clinical programs.
• Teach assigned classroom and/or clinical courses on a regular basis as directed by the Dean of the School of Optometry.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Deep knowledge of optometric education, accreditation requirements, and contemporary clinical training models.
• Strong understanding of academic governance, institutional policy, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated familiarity with research methodologies and current trends in optometric science.
• Ability to design, implement, and sustain long‑term academic strategies aligned with institutional mission and professional standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel) or comparable systems.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated budget management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
• Employee shall adhere to all applicable rules and regulations of the University, the Conference, and the NCAA.

Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.) from an ACOE‑accredited institution or a clinical equivalent (i.e., MD, DO).

• Ten (10) years of relevant post‑terminal‑degree experience in specialty.
• Five (5) years of faculty teaching experience in school of specialty.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience overseeing faculty and/or professional staff in school of specialty.

Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating academic programs that meet or exceed accreditation standards.

• Optometrist in the State of Texas with glaucoma certification.
• Optometrist in another state with glaucoma certification with ability to obtain Texas licensure within 6 months of assignment start date.
• Medical license equivalent in the State of Texas.
• Medical license equivalent in another state with ability to obtain Texas licensure within 6 months of assignment start date.

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM with extended hours and occasional weekends as required to meet the program and institutional needs.

• Ability to actively engage in academic recruitment events for extended periods of time.
• Ability to regularly move about campus and event venues to…