Dean of the College of Health

Dean of the College of Health & Human Services

About NAU

Northern Arizona University serves almost 30,000 students. We are a vibrant community, with 21,000 students in Flagstaff—the home of our largest campus—and the remainder online or at our 20+ statewide locations. Our institution has carefully integrated on-campus education with distance learning, forming seamless avenues for students to earn degrees.

Committed to an inclusiveuniversity environment, NAU has all the benefits of a large institution with a personal touch. We carefully balance teaching, scholarship, and service for faculty members.Supporting our core value of student-centrism, NAU's faculty members promote learning and help students reach academic milestones.
Flagstaff is an outdoorsy mountain town with four seasons and a thriving cultural scene. Located at 7,000 feet, Flagstaff houses 70,000 people and sits at the base of the sacred San Francisco Peaks.

For more about inclusive excellence at NAU, visit the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access.

About the Department/College
Inclusive education. Equitable healthcare. That is the College of Health and Human Services.
The College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become competent health professionals while inspiring leaders in practice, scholarship, and service. CHHS strives to improve the health and well-being of the diverse communities it serves.
With over 2,600 students and 165 faculty and staff, CHHS is NAU's third-largest college and serves as home to a diverse set of academic programs, highly engaged faculty, and motivated undergraduate and graduate students. College operations are primarily situated on the NAU Flagstaff campus and the Phoenix Bioscience Core, a 30-acre medical and bioscience campus located in downtown Phoenix, a partnership between Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona, with some programming at NAU-Yuma.
CHHS has experienced the fastest rate of growth among the University's colleges. Over the past several years, the number of degree-seeking students has more than tripled in both undergraduate and graduate programs. CHHS serves students through online, hybrid, and face-to-face modalities. Eleven programs are accredited by their national governing bodies, and students provide over 539,132 hours of service per year to underserved communities.
In all, the College offers 8 baccalaureate degree programs, 6 clinical graduate degree programs, and 5 graduate certificates. The College offers many of its programs online, including dental hygiene degree completion, public health, communication sciences and disorders, and technology, and multiple allied health degree options. CHHS is comprised of the following units:
• Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (Flagstaff, Yuma)
• Department of Dental Hygiene (Flagstaff)
• Department of Health Sciences (Flagstaff)
• Department of Occupational Therapy (Phoenix)
• Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training (Flagstaff, Phoenix)
• Department of Physician Assistant Studies (Phoenix)
Undergraduate programs in Flagstaff include Allied Health (degree completion programs such as Paramedic Care, Surgical Technology, etc.), Dental Hygiene, Fitness Wellness, Nutrition and Foods, Physical Education, Public Health, and Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Graduate programs include Communication Sciences and Disorders, Interdisciplinary Health, in Flagstaff; Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies in Phoenix; and Athletic Training as well as Physical Therapy in both locations.
Research is also a critical part of the portfolio for CHHS. Through the work of 10 active laboratories and various faculty research projects, students get the well-rounded, foundational experience they need as a foundation for their successful careers.

About the Position
Northern Arizona University (NAU) seeks a visionary, inclusive, and strategic leader as its next College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Dean.
The Dean of CHHS is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College and reports to the Executive Vice President & University Provost. The Dean will develop strong relationships with university administration, faculty, and staff, as well as industry and community partners, to advance the College's mission and deliver exceptional programs that propel the success of its students as they enter the health professions workforce in Arizona and beyond. The Dean will also build an inclusive culture of excellence within and across the departments, faculty, and staff that comprise the College.
Recruiting, retaining, and developing a diverse and talented faculty and staff; expanding access and promoting exceptional outcomes for students; shaping an impactful, modern portfolio of academic programs; collaborating to secure mutually beneficial partnerships; and securing a strong financial position are among the foremost priorities for the Dean. The Dean will also be a leading external advocate and fundraiser for the College, working closely with the NAU Foundation and serving as a key partner as NAU embarks on an ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign.
The Dean supervises the College leadership team, comprised of two associate deans, and six department chairs. The College is home to 37 staff members and 128 faculty.
Note the Dean will be required to travel between Flagstaff, Phoenix, and occasionally to NAU's branch campus in Yuma (approximately 3-5 days per month).
The Dean will be responsible for core leadership duties:
• Planning: as part of a collaborative university and academic affairs leadership team, create a shared vision and agenda for CHHS that represents all of the College and aligns with the University's vision and strategic roadmap. Planning for the expansion of health professional programs is a special focus.
• Communication: lead communication within the College, across the University, and with external stakeholders that supports transparency, builds a common sense of direction, and showcases accomplishments of CHHS programs, faculty, and students.
• Financial Acumen and Strategy: oversee the College budget planning and management; invest and grow the College's financial resources in alignment with University priorities.
• Departmental Administration: appoint and mentor academic unit and College leaders, as well as administrative staff, and periodically review the performance of chairs and administrators in concert with the Provost.
• Personnel: set priorities and lead efforts to recruit, retain, and develop mission-driven and diverse faculty and staff talent in alignment with University policy; lead development and implementation of faculty evaluation protocols in support of College and University goals; promote mentoring and development opportunities for faculty and staff.
• Educational Leadership: cultivate collaborative leadership for the development and enhancement of academic programs that support student momentum and propel postgraduate success and career outcomes; promote effective pedagogy and innovation including interprofessional education, cost-effectiveness, and fidelity to standards and accreditation; work across university divisions to drive student recruitment and retention.
• Research Leadership: champion and support an active and vibrant research ecosystem in synergy with educational programming that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and impact. Promote a culture of research excellence by fostering an environment that encourages faculty, staff, and students to pursue innovative research projects, secure external funding, and disseminate their findings through scholarly publications and presentations.
• Fundraising and Outreach: establish a foundation for active and sustainable fundraising; participate in various councils, commissions, and committees that advance and secure additional resources, reputation, and overall visibility for the College; represent the College within the state and national boards and organizations; and participate in other appropriate groups as the external advocate and ambassador for the College's work.
• College Governance: create ad hoc committees of the College's faculty; hear faculty grievances; promote academic freedom and responsibility; ensure that the College provides a diverse, opportunity- and perspective-rich environment; and model principles of shared and university governance in leading change management.
• Inclusive Excellence: foster all forms of inclusive excellence among students, faculty, and staff, supporting achievement in learning, research, and professional endeavors by building an inclusive community where individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences have a sense of belonging and the necessary support to power their success.
In no particular order, the Dean will be charged with addressing the following opportunities and challenges:
Support and advance a strategic vision for the future of the College of Health and Human Services.
The new Dean will help create and advance a forward-looking vision for the future of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at NAU. This vision will build upon the University-wide strategic roadmap, Elevating Excellence, while also integrating the unique strengths and goals of each CHHS unit. The current priorities include supporting student success through access and attainment, research, and discovery; CHHS's commitment to Native American/Indigenous Peoples and other underrepresented students' success in the health professions; growing connections in the health community and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the College and its operations; and supporting and integrating with initiatives associated with the Arizona Board of Regents' AZ Healthy Tomorrow signature initiative and specific plans to elevate NAU's distinctive health professions portfolio. Working in close partnership with faculty, staff, students, and internal and external partners, the new Dean will have the opportunity to build upon the current strengths of the College and its units, while also preparing for its future.
Catalyze and advance collaboration.
The incoming Dean will inspire and actively model the College's commitment to collaboration—within CHHS and its academic units, across the University, and with external constituencies—to realize new synergies and build and enhance existing cooperative partnerships. Internally, the Dean will assess the current structure and operations of the College and identify opportunities for efficiency and collaboration. It is also expected that the Dean will effectively advocate for faculty, staff, and students in the College while promoting opportunities to collaborate with other academic units across the University.
The Dean will strive to sustain current external relationships and create deeper intentional partnerships between faculty, community leaders, and industry partners to enhance the College's already substantial impact in the region and beyond. The Dean will also encourage and support faculty and students to seek new external opportunities that deepen the academic experience and further the mission of the institution.
Grow enrollment and support student success.
The need for a diverse and highly skilled workforce of health professionals will continue to grow in Arizona and across the country, particularly in light of Arizona's significant workforce need in the community health sector. NAU is committed to expanding access to the dynamic and high-quality learning opportunities available in CHHS. Successfully growing enrollment at the Flagstaff campus, Online, and Statewide will entail several coordinated activities, including the following: securing new funding sources for students; supporting and enhancing recruitment practices; strengthening the student experience; and ensuring professional development opportunities and internships for students. The Dean will be expected to prioritize student success and support increased degree attainment across the College. They must also have a deep commitment to high-quality teaching, experiential learning, innovation and entrepreneurship, and emerging trends in healthcare. The Dean must also work closely with the College leadership team to ensure that all accredited undergraduate and graduate programs continue to maintain accreditation.
Foster a culture of inclusive excellence and build community throughout the College.
NAU and CHHS are committed to fostering an environment that ensures inclusion, equity, and belonging for faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and lived experiences. CHHS is committed to becoming the nation's leading allied health college serving Native American and underrepresented students. Current priorities include growing the enrollment of underrepresented students, achieving high completion rates across student populations, expanding culturally competent learning and mentorship opportunities, and increasing community partnerships in scholarship and education with Native Nations.
The Dean must inspire and motivate the College around a vision for a more equitable and inclusive community while recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented faculty, staff, and student body. The Dean must ensure a healthy and productive work environment and organizational culture of openness, fairness, and transparency that celebrates the open exchange of ideas and free expression and promotes an environment of inclusion and belonging. The Dean will provide visible, accessible, and engaged leadership and will make it a priority to communicate actively throughout the College community, both formally and informally.
Recruit highly qualified faculty and staff; promote high aspirations and achievement.
The continued growth and excellence of the College will require an ongoing focus on the recruitment, retention, and development of faculty and staff. Committed and engaged faculty and staff are crucial to fulfilling the College's academic mission and meeting its goals. The Dean will guide the strategy for recruitment of highly qualified, mission-driven faculty and staff; support professional development and growth; and cultivate an environment that is engaging, energizing, and builds commitment to the College and University. The Dean will support faculty success in research and in securing external funding, ensuring CHHS is an inspiring place for faculty with ambitious research goals, while remaining grounded in the College's fundamental commitment to excellence in teaching and student success.
Facilitate research and discovery.
The Dean will work collaboratively with University and College leadership, research centers, and funding agencies to develop resources and guide strategic investments in a distinctive CHHS research enterprise that is aligned with NAU's strategic priority for impactful scholarship. The Dean will support the professional development of faculty members by providing mentorship, guidance, and resources to enhance their research productivity, secure external funding, and achieve recognition for their scholarly contributions. In addition, the Dean will provide vision, leadership, and support for the expansion of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student participation in research that contributes to the University's goals for student success.
Further strengthen fundraising, alumni and corporate engagement, and external visibility for the College.
The Dean will develop, lead, and support corporate, alumni, and donor relations strategies and activities on behalf of the College. NAU is currently preparing to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign, and the new Dean will have the opportunity to build a vision for the future of the College and leverage financial support for that vision throughout the campaign. The Dean will maximize engagement opportunities and grow significant philanthropic support for the College. Working closely with the NAU Foundation, the Dean will raise funds for key philanthropic priorities, including securing endowed funds for faculty positions, student scholarships, and other areas of strategic emphasis.
The Dean will also be a confident and compelling advocate with external partners through exceptional networking, negotiation, and communication skills. A key goal will be to enhance the visibility of the College both internally and externally and strengthen CHHS's identity in the context of NAU's overall strategic vision. With a particular emphasis on strengthening the College's reputation in Arizona—where NAU offers a range of programs and accessible delivery sites/modalities that are vital to the state's health professions workforce—the Dean will articulate the College's distinctive areas of strength and impact and seek avenues to promote the achievements of its faculty, students, and graduates and its suite of educational and research programs.
A full position description can be found at this link: https://in.nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/10/NAU_Dean_CHHS_Profile.pdf

Minimum Qualifications
• Earned doctorate from an accredited institution in one of the disciplines of the College or a closely related field.
• A distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and leadership that warrants an appointment as a professor or equivalent executive experience in the private sector or non-profit healthcare administration.
• Demonstrated successful administrative leadership experience in higher education as a center or institute leader, chair, associate dean, dean, or comparable management position in healthcare administration with responsibilities that include budgets, strategic planning, personnel management, performance reviews, and promotion decisions.

Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated success in the administration of complex academic units and management of diverse types of programs, faculty, and staff in different locations.
• Record of accomplishment in teaching, curriculum, or program design and/or innovation in efforts to increase student access and success.
• Successful record of impactful scholarship and the acquisition and management of extramural funding.
• Proven record of advocacy for a college with university leadership, and collaboration with colleagues in support of institutional goals and fiscal sustainability.
• Demonstrated experience in successful program review and accreditation processes.
• Demonstrated strengths in effective communication and a record of strong mentoring and consensus-building skills.
• An ability to cultivate relationships that generate philanthropic support, alumni engagement, and fundraising activities.
• An ability to catalyze inclusive excellence in teaching as promoted and supported by the institution.
• An ability to promote interdisciplinary education aligned with interdisciplinary healthcare practices.
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess
• A proven record as a visionary, builder, and manager of allied health programs in the rapidly changing higher education landscape.
• A successful record of developing and sustaining high-quality, student-centered university coursework and curricula at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including professional programs.
• A demonstrated record of strong visibility and relationships within a college and amongst a faculty group, emphasizing a capacity to and interest in learning the unique academic and research priorities of individual units, labs, and faculty.

Submit Your Application

Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply by December 16 will be given first consideration. Upon application, please submit a PDF version of your CV/resume and a cover letter that describes both your motivation for application and how your leadership experience aligns with the key qualifications of the role.
All applications and nominations will be held in confidence.
To apply online, go to: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su434
To make recommendations or for more information, please contact:
Tammarah Townes
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
Direct: 302-388-9480
ttownes@summitsearchsolutions.com

Beth Baldino
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
Direct: 828-216-6606
bbaldino@summitsearchsolutions.com

Equal Employment Opportunity
Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
Know Your Rights Poster
NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.

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