Dean, School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Dean, School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Merrimack College invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS). Merrimack College seeks an exceptional and collegial leader with an extensive record of academic and professional accomplishment to serve in this key leadership position. The new Dean will have the opportunity to develop and advance a vision of health education and research and provide support to a talented faculty and staff and a supportive administration. This position represents an opportunity to help define the future of Merrimack’s newest school and support the College goals of growth, mission, and impact by creating a self-sustaining, entrepreneurial academic enterprise while supporting continued excellence in teaching, the moral and ethical growth of students, resource creation, program development, and sponsored research.

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, and coeducational college nestled in the Boston suburbs of Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts and is an institution with great upward momentum. In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Merrimack ranked 4 for Most Innovative Schools making improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, and facilities. U.S. News also ranked the College at 37 in the Regional Universities North category. Founded in 1947 by the Archbishop of Boston and the Order of St. Augustine, Merrimack strives to cultivate global citizens who are prepared to lead in today’s diverse and changing environment. Merrimack offers graduate programs and nearly 100 undergraduate programs in liberal arts, science and engineering, business, health sciences, and education and social policy. The College has over 4,000 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students from 38 states and 37 countries who form an engaged community of thinkers, learners, and achievers integrated into an academic culture of excellence. In the last five years, undergraduate enrollment has increased approximately 20 percent, graduate enrollment has increased 55 percent, and Merrimack has hired more than 80 new faculty in that same time.

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences enrolls 781 undergraduate and 101 graduate students with 35 full-time faculty members, 41 part-time faculty, and 9 staff members. The SNHS combines interdisciplinary study with a hands-on learning experience for students. Students are engaged with real-world problems and collaborate with each other and faculty members to identify practical solutions. Inspired by the Augustinian values of service, the common good, and the pursuit of wisdom, students in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences engage in learning and service opportunities in and out of the classroom along with the holistic experiences needed to become global citizens.

The SNHS consists of three departments: Nursing, Nutrition and Public Health, and Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. It offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, Health Science, Nursing, Nutritional Sciences, Public Health, and Rehabilitation Sciences. In addition, the school offers Master of Science degrees in Athletic Training, Community Health Education, Exercise and Sport Science, Health and Wellness Management, and Nutrition and Human Performance.

Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. The Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences will hold a terminal degree in public health, nutrition, nursing, kinesiology, or a related field, and will have a record of teaching, scholarship, and service that merits appointment as a tenured full professor.

Desired qualities include:

• Significant accomplishments in their career, with a background of academic experience and/or professional experience which provides the foundation for strong, credible leadership as a Dean    
• Ability to create and implement a strategic vision aligned with the College’s broader strategic goals    
• A track record of successful, proactive, and visionary leadership in a dynamic environment    
• Experience applying for, obtaining, and completing federally-funded research, and/or extensive track record of mentoring and managing faculty pursuing externally funded research portfolios    
• Proven ability to manage a complex organization and work effectively with colleagues in the School, College, and community    
• A determined and strategic relationship builder who understands how to be responsive to the changing needs of corporate partners
• An ability to encourage and foster quality teaching and scholarship activities among faculty    
• Demonstrated interest and success in external fundraising and developing alliances    
• Substantial fiscal management experience
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of existing and emerging technologies    
• An understanding of and experience with nursing, athletic training, and/or other health science accreditations    
• A management style driven by consensus building and teamwork    
• Strong commitment to racial, cultural, and gender diversity, equity, and inclusion    
• A track record of recruiting and mentoring faculty and students from historically underrepresented groups    
• Experience promoting high quality education at the undergraduate and graduate levels    
• Experience in curriculum development and assessment, and development of innovative programs    
• An understanding of global and international education    
• Core values that align with the mission and values of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and Merrimack College    

Additional information on the School, College, and position can be found at https://diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/merrimack-dean-nursing-health-sciences/

The search committee will be reviewing materials immediately. Application materials shall include a CV and a cover letter outlining interest; administrative experience; academic experience; and experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning. All applications and nominations will be treated confidentially. For best consideration, please send a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for five professional references to:

Steve Leo, Managing Director

Vicki Henderson, Senior Associate

Storbeck Search

MerrimackDeanNHS@storbecksearch.com

610-572-4296

For more information on Merrimack College and its programs, please consult its website: www.merrimack.edu

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Required Vaccinations & Remote Work: Unless otherwise stated above, this is an on-campus position. This is not a remote or hybrid position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community. Merrimack College currently has a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Students, faculty, and staff are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19.