Dean, College of Health Sciences

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Dean, College of Health Sciences

Charleston Southern University

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Summary: Charleston Southern University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Health Sciences (COHS). The University seeks a dynamic, collaborative, growth-minded, and service-oriented leader to advance the mission of the College and support excellence in healthcare education.

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Health Sciences and provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation. The successful candidate will foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability while ensuring program quality, accreditation compliance, long-term program growth, and sustainability.

Currently, the the College of Health Sciences offers academic degrees in six disciplines including kinesiology (B.S.), public health (B.A., B.S.), athletic training (M.A.T.), clinical counseling (M.S.), physician assistant (M.M.S.), physical therapy (D.PT). The successful candidate will be committed to continued academic excellence and the expansion of degree offerings within the college.

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Who is Charleston Southern University?
Our Mission: Promoting Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment

Our Vision: To be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading, and serving.

Our Work: We deliver distinctly Christian, academically excellent liberal arts, professional, and graduate education by integrating faith in student learning, leadership development, and service opportunities. Our educational commitments include high-engagement learning, holistic student formation, pathway success, and professional readiness.

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Work Performed:

At Charleston Southern University, a Dean is expected to prioritize the following within the college they lead:

• Faculty / team member shepherding, development, and recruitment
• Becoming distinctly Christian in the college’s educational approach
• Becoming academically and professionally excellent
• Degree program development, enhancement, refinement
• Enrollment growth
• External Engagement with donors, educational partners, and community leaders
• Administrative Responsibilities

In terms of daily operations, the successful candidate for the role of Dean of the College of Health Sciences must demonstrate the capacity for the following:
Leadership

• Provide accessible, supportive, and service-oriented leadership to faculty, staff, and students
• Promote stability, transparency, and continuity across academic programs
• Maintain a visible and engaged presence within the College
• Represent the College in university leadership and decision-making bodies

Strategic Planning

• Lead and implement short-term and long-term strategic planning initiatives
• Support program assessment, refinement, and curricular innovation
• Identify and advance opportunities for new program development and growth
• Align College priorities with institutional goals

Resource Development

• Advocate for the College and its programs at the institutional and community levels
• Support resource development, including budgeting and allocation processes
• Promote the visibility and impact of the College through outreach and communication

Interdisciplinary Engagement

• Foster collaboration across departments and disciplines
• Encourage shared initiatives such as interdisciplinary teaching and clinical training
• Commitment to a wellness model that is holistic in its approach
• Support a cohesive College culture while respecting program-specific identities

Operational Oversight

• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements
• Support programs in accreditation processes and continuous quality improvement
• Communicate institutional updates and operational changes effectively

External Relations

• Build and sustain relationships with clinical partners, community stakeholders, and external organizations
• Promote alumni engagement and support workforce pipeline development
• Represent the College at local, regional, and national levels

Innovation

• Encourage innovation and creative problem-solving across programs
• Participate in university-wide initiatives and strategic priorities
• Enhance the College’s visibility and impact within the University and broader community

Required Qualifications
• A strong commitment to Christian Higher Education and Charleston Southern University’s mission
• Earned terminal degree in a health-related or relevant field
• Clinical experience in a healthcare discipline
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of accreditation processes and higher education operations
• Five years or more of experience in higher education academic leadership (e.g., program director, department chair, associate dean, dean, or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program development, and enrollment growth
• Significant experience with budgeting, resource allocation, and program advocacy
• Record of successful external engagement and partnership development

Desired Attributes
• A servant leadership philosophy with a commitment to accessibility and support
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across stakeholders
• A collaborative mindset that values interdisciplinary engagement
• Strategic thinking balanced with operational effectiveness
• Commitment to advancing the mission and growth of the College of Health Sciences