Position Announcement
Academic Unit Head for Department of Health Sciences
James Madison University (JMU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Health Sciences Academic Unit Head. We seek a visionary leader whose experience includes undergraduate and graduate teaching, and whose breadth embraces the diversity and synergies of clinical and non-clinical programs in health education. The ideal candidate possesses excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and a record of promoting an inclusive and collaborative environment.
The Department of Health Sciences is a flourishing academic unit with 36 full-time faculty members, 1411 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate students. Bachelor of Science programs are offered in Athletic Training, Dietetics, Health Services Administration, and Health Sciences (with concentrations in Health Assessment and Promotion, Health Studies, Occupational Studies and Public Health Education). Master’s degree programs include Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.), Physician Assistant (M.P.A.S.) and Health Sciences with a concentration in Dietetics or Nutrition and Physical Activity (M.S.). Directors for these programs collaborate closely with the Department Head.
Requirements for the position include (1) strong evidence of ability to work effectively on teams with individuals of various faculty and administrative levels; (2) an integrated record of teaching, scholarship and service, including service to the discipline and/or professional associations; (3) an appreciation for the range of programs within the unit and the unique nature of professional and clinical programs; (4) an appreciation for the commitments between the department and other College and University academic programs, including General Education; (5) an understanding of national accreditation processes as they apply to the degree programs; and (6) an earned doctorate appropriate to the position and programs within the unit. The successful candidate will be expected to further the department’s educational mission, support and encourage scholarship, foster recruitment and support of high quality students, and promote the department within and beyond the university.
In the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, JMU is a state-supported university of nearly 20,000 students. For 17 consecutive years, JMU has been one of the two top public master’s level universities in the South by the annual poll on academic quality conducted by U.S. News and World Report for its guidebook America’s Best Colleges. The university also has been cited for its high quality in USA Today and other publications. JMU is located approximately two hours southwest of Washington D.C. in a continually growing city/county of over 90,000. Visit www.jmu.edu for more information about the university.
The position is a 12-month, tenure-track faculty appointment at the Associate/Full Professor rank with a negotiated teaching component and with the possibility of tenure upon initial appointment given appropriate credentials. The Department Head reports to the Dean of the College of Integrated Science and Technology, where Health Sciences is one of nine academic units in the College. The desired starting date is July 1, 2012.
JMU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability with respect to employment or admissions, or in connection with its programs or activities. Inquiries or requests for reasonable accommodation may be directed to the activity coordinator, the appropriate university office, or the Office of Affirmative Action, JMU, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, (540) 568-6991.
Review of applications will begin December 20, 2011. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, submit a letter of application, a statement of administrative leadership philosophy, current vita and contact information for three references using JMU’s electronic application system at https://joblink.jmu.edu with job posting number 0404380.
