Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education - Tenured Position

Penn State University • University Park, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at The Pennsylvania State University seeks an Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education to oversee undergraduate nursing curriculum, admissions, student progression and outcomes, and faculty development. The role leads BSN curricular activities and ensures compliance with state, regional, and national accreditation standards. This is a tenured faculty appointment as an Academic Administrator at the rank of Professor, located at the University Park campus. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027, though it is negotiable.

The Associate Dean provides strategic and administrative leadership for undergraduate nursing programs across Penn State campuses. The role oversees curriculum and academic quality, faculty and staff supervision, clinical education partnerships and placements, student recruitment and success, and the Student Success Center and Simulation Laboratory. It also manages program budgets, scheduling, evaluation and accreditation activities, and represents the program to college and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have a doctorate in nursing or a closely related field, hold the full rank of Professor before the appointment start date, and hold a current U.S. registered nurse license with eligibility for licensure in Pennsylvania. Candidates should bring academic administrative and undergraduate nursing education experience, leadership in curriculum and program development, fiscal and strategic planning experience, and a record of scholarship and presentations. The position is based primarily at University Park in State College, Pennsylvania. Penn State offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, and a 75% tuition discount for eligible employees and family members. A research or scholarship startup package is negotiable.

Requirements

• Doctorate in nursing or a closely related field.
• Must have attained the full rank of Professor before the appointment start date in Nursing.
• Current U.S. registered nurse license and eligibility for licensure in Pennsylvania.
• Experience in academic administration with undergraduate nursing education programs.
• Leadership experience in undergraduate curricular development and program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Understanding of key issues and opportunities in nursing and nursing education, including current trends in innovative undergraduate education.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate faculty and lead teams in a dynamic environment.
• Fiscal experience developing and monitoring budgets and other academic affairs resources.
• Experience developing strategic plans and providing visionary leadership for academic programs.
• Documented experience in professional scholarship and presentation.
• Understanding of management challenges in complex academic environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including effective communication with faculty, staff, students, and academic leaders.
• Ability to lead inclusively, build consensus, collaborate, manage change, negotiate, and follow through effectively.
• Strong organization, analytical skills, diplomacy, integrity, and time management.

Nice To Haves

• Evidence of interprofessional collaboration.
• Track record of educational program funding.
• Scholarship in nursing education, such as innovative and interprofessional teaching methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and administration of undergraduate nursing programs across all campuses, maintaining academic quality and operational consistency.
• Lead curriculum development, evaluation, and continuous improvement in alignment with accreditation and licensure standards.
• Ensure compliance with state and national regulatory and accrediting bodies governing nursing education.
• Collaborate with Undergraduate Assistant Deans, Campus Directors, and Campus Administrators to recruit and retain qualified faculty.
• Supervise teaching faculty and staff, including hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and performance evaluations.
• Manage healthcare partnership agreements that support student clinical education.
• Coordinate clinical placements and maintain relationships with healthcare facilities and community partners.
• Oversee and support academic promotion processes for non-tenure-line teaching faculty.
• Collaborate on strategic initiatives to recruit and retain undergraduate nursing students and lead student recruitment, retention, and success efforts across campuses.
• Oversee the Student Success Center and Simulation Laboratory to support learning, academic achievement, and clinical skill development.
• Monitor student academic progress and address academic, compliance, and clinical performance concerns.
• Participate in reviewing, developing, and overseeing academic policies for equitable and consistent application.
• Promote the nursing program across the Commonwealth through student engagement, recruitment, and outreach.
• Cultivate partnerships with hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, and peer universities.
• Prepare, manage, and oversee the undergraduate nursing program budget.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret program data for evaluation, accreditation, and strategic planning.
• Represent the undergraduate nursing program at college-wide and external meetings and liaise with stakeholders.
• Coordinate course and clinical rotation scheduling to balance faculty workload, student needs, and clinical site availability.
• Prepare and submit documentation for faculty approvals, curriculum changes, and graduate licensure.
• Keep current with educational technologies and pedagogical best practices and integrate innovative tools into teaching and learning.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.
• Negotiable startup package to support the successful candidate’s research or scholarship program.

What This Job Offers

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