Job Description

Description of Job Duties and Responsibilities
Position Summary:
Fairmont State University invites nominations and applications for a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the Dean of the College of Nursing. As the chief academic officer for the College, the Dean reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and is responsible for providing strategic direction, fostering academic excellence, and leading all aspects of nursing education.

The Dean will oversee all nursing degree and certificate programs (ASN, BSN, and School Nurse Certification), maintain rigorous accreditation standards (ACEN and CCNE), and strengthen clinical partnerships within the regional service area.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a strategic plan for the College of Nursing that aligns with Fairmont State University’s mission to serve north central West Virginia through high-quality education and professional workforce development.
Academic Operations & Accreditation: Oversee curriculum development, program evaluation, student retention/success initiatives, and maintain compliance with State Board of Nursing and ACEN and CCNE accreditation standards.
Partnership Development: Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with regional healthcare systems, hospitals, and community agencies to secure clinical placements and partnerships.
Faculty & Staff Mentorship: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate a diverse faculty and staff, promoting a culture of excellence in teaching, service, and scholarly activity.
Budget & Resource Management: Manage the College’s fiscal budget, including allocation of resources, fundraising efforts, and the acquisition of external grants.
Advocacy & Representation: Serve as the primary ambassador for the College of Nursing, representing the university at local, state, and national professional functions.

Leadership Priorities
Lead faculty in the implementation of competency-based nursing education utilizing the AACN Essentials for CBE Framework in both the ASN and BSN programs in collaboration with the West Virginia Competency-based Education Consortium.
Lead final preparation for a September 8-10, 2026, Accreditation Commission in Nursing Education (ACEN) site visit for continuing accreditation of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program.
Develop and implement a Master of Nursing program with two areas of concentration, nursing education and forensic nursing, at Fairmont State University.
Develop a philosophy for nursing education in which faculty share a vision for student success utilizing the virtues of stoicism to guide development. This work sets the foundation for a Center of Excellence in Nursing that enhances student learning and professional development within the context of psychological safety and a just culture.
Minimum Required Education
An earned doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP) or a related field with a Master’s degree in Nursing.
Required Licenses and/or Certifications
A current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in West Virginia or hold a multi-state BN license
Required Licenses Certs Summary
A current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in West Virginia or hold a multi-state BN license
Minimum Required Qualifications
A minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education or in healthcare, including administrative, budgetary, and personnel management experience.
A record of teaching, service, and scholarship suitable for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
Demonstrated experience with nursing accreditation processes (e.g., CCNE, ACEN)
Required Quals Summary
A minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education or in healthcare, including administrative, budgetary, and personnel management experience.
A record of teaching, service, and scholarship suitable for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
Demonstrated experience with nursing accreditation processes (e.g., CCNE, ACEN)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a regional, public university setting.
Documented success in securing external funding, grants, or philanthropy.
Experience with distance education and rural healthcare initiatives.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the nursing profession.