Dean of the School of Health Professions

Shenandoah University, a private institution with its main campus in Virginia's historic and scenic Shenandoah Valley, invites applications and nominations for the Dean of the School of Health Professions. This is a full-time, benefited position located at our Health Professions Building in Winchester, VA. 

The Dean of the School of Health Professions provides forward-thinking, strategic leadership for a dynamic and expanding portfolio of academic programs, facilities, technologies, and business operations. The Dean is responsible for ensuring excellence in accreditation, continuous quality improvement, and regulatory compliance across all programs, while advancing innovative, outcomes-driven, and interprofessional education that prepares graduates for the evolving healthcare landscape. Deeply engaged with healthcare systems and community partners across the Northern Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia, the Dean strengthens workforce pipelines and community impact. Committed to shared governance and collaborative decision-making, the Dean exercises strong fiscal stewardship, aligns resources with strategic priorities, and fosters sustainable growth. Reporting directly to the Provost, the Dean serves as a key member of the  University and Academic Cabinets, contributing to institutional strategy, innovation, and long-term viability. Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the School of Health Professions webpage at https://www.su.edu/health.

Shenandoah University is a vibrant university that enrolls more than 4,200 students with traditional face-to-face, hybrid, and online educational opportunities. Shenandoah University comprises six schools: the School of Health Professions, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Shenandoah Conservatory, the School of Business, the School of Nursing, and the School of Pharmacy. Shenandoah University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master, and doctoral degrees.

The mission of the School of Health Professions is to educate and inspire developing professionals who enhance the health of individuals and communities. Students are led by a highly creative faculty dedicated to excellence in healthcare education. The School of Health Professions enrolls over 600 professional education students, within 26 established and developing degree and certificate programs, from the divisions of Athletic Training, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Health Sciences, and Speech and Language Pathology. Students attend classes in Winchester and Leesburg, VA, or attend fully online, remote, or hybrid programs.

Qualifications:

The candidate must possess:

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution in one of the programs housed in the School of Health Professions or a closely related discipline
• Leadership experience in higher education
• Personnel management, budgeting, and strategic planning experience
• Professional accreditation and regulatory compliance experience
• Experience supporting and engaging a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• An understanding of in-person, hybrid, and online learning environments
• A commitment to student learning, success, and retention
• Dedication to promoting faculty excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship
• Commitment to staff development, support, recruitment and retention
• Experience with interprofessional education

The successful candidate will also possess many of the following:

• A national reputation within the broader health professions community
• A distinguished record of teaching and service
• A strong record of scholarship, such as funded research and other grant writing experience.
• Prior success with program development and growth
• Ability to develop partnerships across the university and the community to support school initiatives

How to Apply:

Application materials should include a curriculum vitae, a letter of intent that incorporates a description of the candidate’s leadership philosophy, and contact information for five professional references.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. In the letter of intent, candidates should address how they will support a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment at Shenandoah University.

**A pre-employment criminal background check will be required. A satisfactory driving record will also be required as this position requires driving for University business.

**Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected. However, applications received by February 20, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Additional inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Amy Sarch and Dr. Stephanie Bernard, using the contact information below.

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcomed and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Dean of the School of Health Professions Search Committee Co-Chairs:

Amy Sarch, PhD

Associate Provost for Academic Affairs asarch@su.edu; (540) 542-6534

Stephanie Bernard, EdD, PA-C, RD

Associate Director & Professor, Division of Physician Assistant Studies

sbernard2@su.edu; (540) 542-6546