Assistant Dean for Academic Innovation and Assessment

University of Pikeville • Pikeville, KY

8d

About The Position

The Assistant Dean for Academic Innovation and Assessment (ADAIA) plays a key leadership role in advancing academic excellence at the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). This position is responsible for enhancing the didactic curriculum, guiding assessment strategies, and fostering instructional innovation to improve student learning and performance, particularly on NBEO board examinations. The ADAIA works closely with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO), Dean of Students, and faculty to support strategic academic initiatives and data-informed curricular development.

Requirements

• A Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.) with a minimum of five years of experience in health professions education; advanced training in education, assessment, or instructional technology preferred.
• Optometrist applicants must be eligible for licensure in the state of Kentucky with expanded therapeutics certification and are expected to participate in patient care services.
• Demonstrated success in curriculum development, educational innovation, and outcomes based assessment.
• Familiarity with NBEO exam structure and contemporary trends in health professions education.
• Experience with AI tools and educational technology in instructional settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the continuous improvement of the didactic curriculum with a focus on alignment to program competencies and NBEO success.
• Oversee the development and implementation of effective formative and summative assessments across the curriculum.
• Supervise the Assessment Coordinator and ensure consistency and rigor in evaluating student learning and course effectiveness.
• Promote mastery-based learning and evidence-based instructional design.
• Serve as a key resource to faculty in curriculum design, assessment practices, and instructional strategies.
• Facilitate workshops and peer collaboration focused on improving teaching effectiveness and assessment literacy.
• Ensure consistency in syllabus design, course structure, and rubric development in alignment with academic standards.
• Collaborate with IT and instructional support staff to pilot and evaluate emerging academic technologies.
• Lead initiatives to incorporate educational technologies and AI-driven tools that enhance instruction, student engagement, and assessment.
• Support faculty in exploring and implementing innovative, technology-enhanced teaching methods.
• Partner with the CAO and Dean of Students to identify and implement curricular enhancements that support student success and timely progression.
• Use academic performance data and assessment outcomes to recommend targeted interventions and program-level improvements.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of relevant academic committees (e.g., EPCC, ASC).

Benefits

• UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts.
• UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree