Dean, College of Health and Education

Wilkes University•Wilkes-Barre, PA

About The Position

Wilkes University invites applications for Dean of the College of Health and Education. Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the College's chief academic, administrative, and fiscal officer, providing strategic leadership for the Passan School of Nursing, the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, and the Dr. Richard Abas Alley School of Education. This is a full-time, 12-month administrative appointment carrying faculty rank, with an anticipated start date of July 2027. The Dean will foster a collaborative, inclusive college culture while respecting each school's distinct identity and professional requirements. The role involves advancing academic quality and program development; maintaining disciplinary accreditations and state authorizations; recruiting, mentoring, and supporting faculty and staff; managing budgets and resources; and strengthening enrollment, retention, and student success. The Dean will lead College fundraising and cultivate clinical, school district, alumni, and community partnerships that support student placements, experiential learning, and professional preparation. Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. It has approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and over 1,500 full-time-equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels. The University emphasizes strong mentoring relationships with students and contributing to economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, within two and one-half hours' driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.

Requirements

Earned doctorate or other appropriate degree in nursing, education, pharmacy, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
Record of teaching, scholarship, and service that merits appointment as a tenured full professor in a College department.
At least five years of progressively responsible academic leadership.
Direct experience with accreditation reviews and self-studies.
Experience managing budgets, personnel, and strategic planning in higher education.
Collaborative, transparent leadership style.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
Sound judgment.
Commitment to student success, faculty development, and an inclusive learning environment.

Nice To Haves

Multidisciplinary leadership experience.
Experience with nursing, pharmacy, and/or education accreditation.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, external partnerships, grant-funded initiatives, and enrollment growth.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for the Passan School of Nursing, the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, and the Dr. Richard Abas Alley School of Education.
Serve as the College's chief academic, administrative, and fiscal officer.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive college culture while respecting each school's distinct identity and professional requirements.
Advance academic quality and program development.
Maintain disciplinary accreditations and state authorizations.
Recruit, mentor, and support faculty and staff.
Manage budgets and resources.
Strengthen enrollment, retention, and student success.
Lead College fundraising efforts.
Cultivate clinical, school district, alumni, and community partnerships supporting student placements, experiential learning, and professional preparation.