Academic Dean, College of Sciences & General Studies

Baptist Memorial Health Care; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Baptist Memorial Health Care is seeking a Dean for the College of Sciences and General Studies. This leadership position is responsible for academic management, ensuring program quality, and fostering partnerships for community engagement.

The ideal candidate will hold an earned doctorate and have significant experience in higher education leadership. Responsibilities include guiding curriculum development and supporting faculty in their professional growth. This role is pivotal in shaping the academic direction of the institution.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in a discipline related to the sciences or general studies.
• Five years of full-time college/university teaching experience.
• Progressive academic leadership in roles like program director or department chair.

Responsibilities

• Leads college strategy and planning, aligning goals with University initiatives.
• Supports enrollment management and student success.
• Oversees curriculum development and ensures academic quality.

Skills

Leadership in higher education

Curriculum design

Faculty development

Accreditation processes

Education

Earned doctorate in a related field

Job description

Job Title

Dean, Academic

Department

College of Sciences and General Studies

Entity

Baptist Health Sciences University

Reports to

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Application Materials

• Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Five Professional References

Job Summary

Provides leadership for the Baptist University College of Sciences & General Studies through effective planning, academic innovation, and resource management. Under the administrative direction of the Provost, the Dean oversees associate, baccalaureate, and (future) master’s-level programs across the sciences and general studies curriculum, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission and health sciences focus. Responsible for the academic, operational, and personnel management of the college, the Dean fosters excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, while building partnerships that enhance student learning, workforce readiness, and community engagement. The person in this position will also serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) responsible for reporting criminal offenses to the Security Office and for ensuring student and campus safety 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Job Responsibilities

• Leads college strategy and planning, aligning short- and long-term goals with University initiatives and external workforce needs. Develops and implements college goals; monitors effectiveness; and drives continuous improvement.
• Supports enrollment management and student success, including recruitment, advising, retention, and progression policies.
• Oversees curriculum development and academic quality, ensuring programs meet student learning outcomes, accreditation standards (SACSCOC and other applicable professional bodies), and industry expectations.
• Promotes high‑impact educational practices including innovation and digital transformation in teaching and learning, interprofessional education, and integration of faith, science, and service.
• Provides faculty leadership through recruiting, onboarding, mentoring, evaluating faculty and staff, and supports faculty development in teaching, scholarship, and practice.
• Manages college operations and resources, including academic scheduling, budget planning, capital requests, payroll, and technology needs.
• Ensures compliance with all external requirements, including regional accreditation, professional accrediting agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Expands partnerships and community engagement by cultivating relationships with healthcare providers, educational institutions, and industry partners.
• Performs related accountabilities as assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in a discipline related to the sciences, general studies, curriculum and instruction, educational administration/supervision, adult education, or closely related field from an accredited university.
• Five (5) years of full‑time college/university teaching experience.
• Five (5) years of progressive and significant academic leadership (program director, department chair, associate dean, or similar role).
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop, manage, evaluate, and promote faculty, staff, and academic/educational programs.
• Experience with program and institutional accreditation (e.g., SACSCOC and, as applicable, discipline‑specific professional agencies).
• Proficiency in applying advanced concepts, principles, and techniques of learning theories, curriculum design, assessment, and educational practices at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels.
• Current license/certification to practice in the State of Tennessee, as appropriate to the individual’s professional discipline.

Desired Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of progressive and significant leadership in higher education with a focus on sciences, general studies, or health sciences programs.
• Experience in curriculum innovation, including interprofessional education, high‑impact practices, and technology‑enhanced learning.
• Experience cultivating partnerships with healthcare providers, industry, or community organizations.
• Record of scholarly activity, grant writing, or securing external funding in support of academic programs.