Program Director, Physician Assistant & Clinical-Track Assistant/Associate Professor

Tarleton State University•Stephenville, TX

17h•$150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Program Director & Clinical-Track Assistant/Associate Professor in the Physician Assistant Medicine program. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco , along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further. At the heart of it all is Stephenville , where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond. The Program Director provides academic and administrative leadership for the Physician Assistant Medicine program. This position requires an innovative and dedicated individual to develop and oversee all aspects of the evolving P.A. program. The Program Director manages faculty, staff, and student affairs; plays a key role in budget and resource management; oversees strategic planning; and represents the department to external stakeholders. The individual will work closely with university administration to create and implement the program's strategic plan; create, document, and assess educational outcome measures that will ensure progress culminating in the successful completion of the application for provisional accreditation with the ARC-PA. The Program Director directly reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Clinical Professions. This position is a full-time, 12-month, Program Director & Clinical-Track Assistant/Associate Professor position located primarily on Tarleton State University’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas, working Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work responsibilities indicate. The position requires occasional travel to all campus locations served by the program. Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Requirements

Earned doctorate/terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a closely related field from an accredited university.
Must have a distinguished record in teaching and research.
A master’s degree in Physician Assistant/Associate Studies is required.
A minimum of five years of classroom experience and previous progressive education responsibilities in administration/training is required.
Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) (P.A. Emeritus is accepted).
The applicant will have at least three years of healthcare experience.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner.

Nice To Haves

A doctorate in an appropriate field of health/medical education preferred.
Five to ten years of experience planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating an accredited P.A. program.
The individual should be sensitive to the needs of faculty, students, and staff and will have the ability to be an articulate spokesperson for Tarleton State University on a local, state, and national level.
Administrative and leadership experience as department head/chair at the college or university level or experience in supervisory/management position(s) in an academic arena.
Strong evidence of ability to set operational goals from strategic plans and lead direct reports to accomplish strategic goals and initiatives.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with faculty and staff to establish a vision for the program aligned with the overall goals of the college and University.
Working with the College dean and their leadership team, as well as administrative leadership to fulfill the institutional strategic plan Tarleton Forward 2030.
Develop and manage the program’s budget in collaboration with College and University administration
Oversee the allocation of program resources, including equipment, lab space, technology, and office space.
Ensure the ongoing review, development, and modification of curriculum to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies, and to meet the evolving needs of students, accreditation standards, and industry expectations.
Ensure review and evaluation of the existing academic program, using data to enhance quality and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
Ensure that academic programs meet discipline and institutional accreditation requirements, including preparation of necessary reports and supporting documentation.
Oversee faculty and staff recruitment efforts, ensuring compliant recruitment practices and high-quality hiring.
Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty and staff and encourage and support faculty in pursuing effective teaching practices and competitive scholarship.
Conduct annual performance evaluations of faculty and staff, including faculty midpoint, tenure & promotion, and post-tenure reviews.
Foster open lines of communication within the program as well as with College leadership.
Quickly address and mediate conflicts within the program, including faculty and staff disputes.
Foster a productive environment for student engagement, retention, and graduation; support student organizations within the program.
Support faculty in their obligation to uphold standards of academic integrity and rigor of classes and programs.
Mediate departmental processes for student academic appeals.
Connect students with opportunities for internships, experiential learning, and career exploration.
Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum.
Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.
Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.