Physician Assistant Chair and Program Director

Physician Assistant Chair and Program Director

Mary Baldwin University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Physician Assistant Chair and Program Director. Mary Baldwin University seeks a visionary leader to serve in this important role. The Physician Assistant Chair and Program Director is a 12-month faculty administrator responsible for the overall management of the Master of Physician Assistant Program, including curriculum, evaluation, staffing, and accreditation. They collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and other health programs, represent the program within the university and community, and hold an academic appointment with responsibilities in administration, academics, service, and scholarship aligned with the college's mission and values.

Consistent with the mission and values of the institution, this position requires a commitment to a culture that promotes equity and inclusion. Therefore, applicants are expected to emphasize equity and inclusion in their interactions with students, staff, faculty, and the community at large.

Responsibilities:

The Chair and Program Director’s responsibilities involve the coordination and supervision of all academic and clinical aspects of the physician assistant program:

1. Clinical education.
2. Ensure quality student-centered learning experiences during the PA program.
3. Evaluation of overall student performance.
4. Educate students, clinical and academic faculty about academic programming as it relates to legal, ethical, and academic issues (both knowledge and skill).
5. Ensure that the educational environment demonstrates characteristics of evidence-based patient management, and professional behavior, while remaining current on trends and policy related to care.
6. Ensure that the educational program maximizes the available resources.

Administrative Responsibilities:

1. Provide oversight of the recruitment, orientation, retention and evaluation of core and adjunct faculty and administrative staff.
2. In conjunction with the program faculty and the Senior Associate Dean, Director of the School of Health Professions, and Vice-President/Dean of the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (MDCHS), establish and maintain criteria for admissions, curriculum content and performance criteria for the students, prepare an annual budget for approval by the VP of MDCHS and CFO, administer the approved budget, support Faculty Development, and ensure that the NCCPA board scores equal or exceed national averages.
3. Participate in the College’s academic and faculty affairs to ensure the integration of the program into the activities of the College.
4. Provide leadership for the formulation and revision of policies, procedures and objectives, as needed for the program, in conjunction with the faculty and advisory committees; evaluate and maintain governance structures and program handbooks.
5. In conjunction with the Clinical faculty, develop affiliation agreements with clinical sites (e.g., hospitals, ambulatory clinics, private practice physicians) for the required and elective clinical rotations.
6. Participate in local and national organizations to ensure program excellence and appropriateness of the curriculum and instruction.
7. Serve on University, MDCHS and program committees as requested or designated.
8. Work in collaboration with the Director of Didactic Education and the faculty on curriculum development and revisions to ensure best pedagogical/andragogical practices, effective course management/structures, and curricular content is contemporary and meets accreditation standards. 
9. Lead and provide oversight of the ARC-PA accreditation process, maintaining accreditation standards and accreditation activities. 
10. Participate in admissions, marketing, fund-raising, and other functions that support the program, school and college. 
11. Provide oversight of student recruitment, selection, evaluation, advisement, retention and professional development.
12. Foster relationships in the professional community and within professional associations.
13. Serve as a liaison between the PA program and the Community, University, College, Students and Clinical sites to advocate for the needs of the program.
14. Develop and distribute reports for internal and external audiences.
15. Inform faculty, staff, students, and administration about the education program, pertinent policies and procedures, and changes influenced by accreditation.
16. Monitor a changing health care delivery system and advise the Vice President, and other appropriate individuals and faculty of changing trends and potential impact on student enrollment, instruction, curriculum design, and clinical education.

Academic Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate and teach courses within the curriculum, based on areas of content and clinical expertise.
2. Participate in scholarly activities and develop a scholarly agenda to ensure ongoing professional development.

Advising Responsibilities:

1. Engage with Mary Baldwin’s undergraduate residential faculty to develop undergraduate to graduate pathways for matriculation into the PA program and develop student engagement opportunities between the Staunton and Fishersville campus.
2. Advise PA program student class leadership.

Required Qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
2. Licensed Physician Assistant (PA); must hold current, or emeritus NCCPA certification.
3. Minimum 3 years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant.
4. Minimum of 3 years of full-time higher education experience teaching in a PA program.
5. Working understanding of current PA education standards as defined by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
6. Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. PhD or other terminal doctoral degree in a related field.
2. 5 years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant.
3. Demonstrated experience as a chairperson or program director of an ARC-PA accredited program.
4. Experience in writing grants to support the PA program. 
5. Experience with Advancement and Philanthropy

About Mary Baldwin University:

Mary Baldwin University has a proud legacy of innovating to best serve its students as the world changes. This small, coeducational university offers a range of degree programs from bachelor to doctoral levels, serving a diverse student population on its historic Staunton campus, at the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (MDCHS) in nearby Fishersville, and online. MBU provides unique opportunities for students to become leaders in the classroom, community, workplace, and in their own lives. The university was the first in Virginia to create a program in 1977 for women and men to earn their degrees later in life, and in 2014, it established one of the first dozen doctoral programs of occupational therapy in the nation with the opening of MDCHS. MBU expanded its tradition of student-centered excellence by welcoming its first residential men to campus in 2017 while continuing to offer special residential programs for women, including the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted and the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership. Together, students, faculty, staff, and alumni create a community dedicated to bringing out the best in small, private education.

About the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing:

The Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences located on the beautiful Fishersville, Virginia, branch campus, is comprised of the Schools of Health Professions and Nursing. Situated within a one-mile radius of Augusta Health, Augusta Free Clinic, University of Virginia Health System clinics, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, and several senior care facilities, the College provides students with the experiential learning, knowledge, and skills to truly make a difference in the health of their community. Building upon the university-wide mission in the liberal arts and sciences and ethos of leadership and service, the College offers professional health programs that emphasize superior education in an ever-changing healthcare environment.

Opened in 2014 to address healthcare workforce needs and the complex health issues of the region, the MDCHS achieves its mission through clinically focused professional programs in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant studies. These programs concentrate on addressing regional healthcare needs. The College believes community health issues are best solved by professionals who value interprofessional collaboration and thrive in a culture that embraces inclusivity and equitable access to healthcare. MDCHS's vision is to be recognized as the primary regional partner for developing community-oriented interventions that educate and provide services to the public, thereby improving health and life outcomes.

About the Community:

Fishersville, VA, is a charming community nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant local culture. Positioned between Waynesboro and Staunton in Northern Virginia, this rural town is a great fit for nature and wine enthusiasts alike, boasting several attractions and eateries. The area features a rich historical heritage, and residents enjoy access to quality healthcare facilities, including Augusta Health, as well as excellent educational institutions. With its blend of history, modern amenities, and strong community spirit, Fishersville is a delightful place to call home.

Just a short drive from Fishersville, Staunton is named among Smithsonian magazine’s “20 Best Small Towns in America,” and brims with historical architecture, cultural attractions, eclectic shops, and foodie-friendly dining. Nearby Waynesboro is home to the Shenandoah Valley Art Center. Traveling a bit farther east, one can discover an abundance of music, fine arts, theater, and historic offerings in Charlottesville.

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Physician Assistant Chair and Program Director at Mary Baldwin University should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Danan Tsan, Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
danan@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position including a statement that reflects your commitment towards supporting a culture of Equity and Inclusion Excellence.
2. Updated CV.
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by January 15, 2025 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Mary Baldwin University does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender (*see exceptions for admission to programs within the College for Women), nor does the university discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, age, disability, religion, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in its educational programs, admissions, co-curricular or other activities, or employment practices. Inquiries may be directed to the Director of Human Resources, 540-887-7367, Student Activities Center 312, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, Virginia 24401. *Exceptions within the College for Women: Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership, Program for the Exceptionally Gifted.