Dean School of Health Professions

Overview

Shenandoah University invites applications and nominations for the Dean of the School of Health Professions
. This is a full-time, benefited position located at our Health Professions Building in Winchester, VA.

The Dean provides forward-thinking, strategic leadership for a dynamic and expanding portfolio of academic programs, facilities, technologies, and business operations. The Dean ensures excellence in accreditation, continuous quality improvement, and regulatory compliance across all programs, advancing innovative, outcomes-driven, and interprofessional education that prepares graduates for the evolving healthcare landscape. The Dean engages with healthcare systems and community partners to strengthen workforce pipelines and community impact.

The Dean promotes shared governance, collaborative decision-making, strong fiscal stewardship, and alignment of resources with strategic priorities, fostering sustainable growth. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean serves as a key member of the University and Academic Cabinets, contributing to institutional strategy, innovation, and long-term viability.

Required:

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution in one of the programs housed in the School of Health Professions or a closely related discipline
• Leadership experience in higher education
• Personnel management, budgeting, and strategic planning experience
• Professional accreditation and regulatory compliance experience
• Experience supporting and engaging a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• An understanding of in-person, hybrid, and online learning environments
• A commitment to student learning, success, and retention
• Dedication to promoting faculty excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship
• Commitment to staff development, support, recruitment and retention
• Experience with interprofessional education

Preferred:

• A national reputation within the broader health professions community
• A distinguished record of teaching and service
• A strong record of scholarship, such as funded research and other grant writing experience
• Prior success with program development and growth
• Ability to develop partnerships across the university and the community to support school initiatives

Application materials should include a curriculum vitae, a letter of intent that incorporates a description of the candidate’s leadership philosophy, and contact information for five professional references.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. In the letter of intent, candidates should address how they will support a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment at Shenandoah University.

Pre-employment background check will be required. A satisfactory driving record will also be required as this position requires driving for University business.

Authorization to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. The university is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected. Applications received by February 20, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Additional inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Co-Chairs
, Dr. Amy Sarch and Dr. Stephanie Bernard, using the contact information below.

Dean of the School of Health Professions Search Committee Co-Chairs:

Amy Sarch, PhD
Associate Provost for Academic Affairs asarch

Stephanie Bernard, EdD, PA-C, RD
Associate Director & Professor, Division of Physician Assistant Studies sbernard2