Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies

Viterbo University•La Crosse, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Viterbo University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies in the College of Nursing and Health (CNH). Viterbo University seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve in this full-time, 12-month academic administration position with faculty appointment. This is a unique opportunity to lead the development and launch of a new physician associate program at a mission-driven institution with a strong foundation in the health sciences and a commitment to academic excellence and community impact. The Founding Director will play a central role in shaping the physician associate graduate program, providing strategic leadership across curriculum design, accreditation, faculty recruitment and development, and program operations. With 50% of effort dedicated to administrative responsibilities, the director will serve as the accreditation liaison and institutional representative to the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), while cultivating clinical partnerships locally and nationally. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health, this role offers the opportunity to build a program from inception with strong institutional support and a clear vision for growth. Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan liberal arts institution founded in 1890 and sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Serving approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students, Viterbo is nationally recognized for its commitment to servant leadership, ethical practice, and purpose-driven professional preparation, with particular strength and earned distinction in nursing, education, business, and the health sciences. The College of Nursing and Health (CNH) at Viterbo is a cornerstone of the institution, with a strong reputation for academic excellence, high licensure pass rates, and deep partnerships across regional and national healthcare systems. The forthcoming Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies represents a significant institutional investment in expanding Viterbo's health professions portfolio and addressing critical workforce needs.

Requirements

Physician Assistant/Associate Degree from a program accredited by ARC-PA
Hold and maintain current or emeritus credential from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Minimum of 3 years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment
Excellent written and/or oral communication skills
Excellent management/supervisory skills
Willingness and ability to participate actively in a plan of professional development to enhance and maintain currency in relevant skills and knowledge

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated leadership in academic administration including curriculum planning, faculty oversight and program evaluation
Knowledge of PA education, accreditation requirements including PA self-studies, accreditation reports, and site visit planning
Experience with program budgeting and resource allocation
Will hold a record of scholarship, teaching excellence, and professional service
Microsoft Office proficiency

Responsibilities

Demonstrates a commitment to the mission, philosophy, values, and goals of Viterbo University and the CNH
Implement the policies of the University and the CNH
Participates in program assessment evaluation processes
Participates in student advising activities as assigned
Demonstrate collaborative relationships with internal and external communities of interest
Assists with the recruitment, applicant selection and retention of qualified students
Provide visionary leadership and effective administration of the PA program in alignment with institutional mission and accreditation requirements
Establish strategic goals and lead continuous quality improvement activities across all areas of the program
Manage program operations, including scheduling, faculty assignments, committee processes, and governance
Maintain effective communication and collaboration with college leadership
Oversee program fiscal management, resource planning, and budget development
Lead the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of a coherent, compliant curriculum that meets ARC-PA standards and prepares students for PANCE success
Ensure curriculum alignment with program competencies, professional standards, and learning outcomes
Collaborate with faculty and committees on curriculum changes, assessment strategies, and instructional effectiveness
Recruit, mentor, and evaluate program faculty and staff, including principal and instructional faculty
Monitor student progress, retention, and outcomes; implement strategies to support student achievement
Facilitates effective teaching/learning activities in the didactic, simulation, and/or clinical settings
Prepares and updates content and syllabi for assigned courses according to CNH curricular plans and program student learning outcomes
Demonstrates expertise in developing, conducting, and evaluating essential learning experiences within the didactic, simulation, and/or clinical settings
Conducts course assessment activities to evaluate effectiveness and enhance student learning
Shares talents as a resource person/mentor to colleagues and/or students
Participate in professional, CNH, and university activities
Participates in ongoing quality improvement/accreditation activities
Participate in local, state, and national professional organizations
Participate in professional/scholarly activities to maintain certification and practice, as applicable
Engages in life-long learning
Carries out other responsibilities as delegated or assigned