Founding Dean, School of Optometry

High Point University in High Point, North Carolina is pleased to announce plans to establish a School of Optometry and invites applications and nominations for its Founding Dean. The mission of HPU’s School of Optometry, which is scheduled to open in fall of 2025, will be to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art training for its students to practice as optometric physicians who are licensed for a broad scope of optometric practice.

The Founding Dean of Optometry will play a significant role in the strategic planning of the curriculum, mission and outcomes of the school, and in ensuring that they are aligned with those of the university; in seeking accreditation with the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE); in the hiring and management of exceptional, student-focused faculty and staff; in collaborating with admissions on the marketing of the program and recruitment of students; and in providing academic, educational and administrative leadership for the program.

The Founding Dean reports to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. As a member of the University’s Academic Leadership Council, the Dean has a role in University-wide leadership.

High Point University is committed to excellence through diversity; therefore, we encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited School of Optometry.
• Licensed to practice, or eligible for license to practice, optometry in North Carolina.
• Minimum of three to five years of academic program administration and leadership experience in optometric education.
• Ability to effectively manage all fiscal aspects of the school.
• Demonstrated track record of teaching excellence (both academic and clinical) and scholarly productivity commensurate with a lead academic officer of a School.
• Proven track record in ACOE accreditation.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and multiculturalism.
• Willingness to embrace working in an interdisciplinary
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, collaborative, team-building, and communication skills (written and oral).

About the University

 At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people. ® HPU is a God, family and country school.  It is located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report for Best Regional Colleges in the South, No. 1 for Most Innovative Regional Colleges in the South and recognized for Best Undergraduate Teaching in the South. The Princeton Review named HPU in the 2020 edition of “The Best 385 Colleges” and on the Best Southeastern Colleges “2020 Best Colleges: Region by Region” list. HPU was also recognized for Most Beautiful Campus (No. 18), Best College Dorms (No. 5) and Best Campus Food (No. 20). For nine years in a row, HPU has been named a College of Distinction with special recognition for business and education programs and career development. The university offers 60 undergraduate majors, 64 undergraduate minors and 13 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the web at http://www.highpoint.edu .

Formal Application Process

Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, and full contact information for three academic references to the High Point University employment portal https://www.highpoint.edu/human-resources/. For additional inquiries, please contact Dr. Angela Bauer (Vice President of Academic Affairs) at 336.841.9501 or abauer@highpoint.edu. The review process will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. High Point University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. High Point University does not sponsor H1B Visa applications for new faculty.