Dean, College of Nursing

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, seeks a dynamic nurse leader to become Dean of the College of Nursing. The dean will advance USC’s mission through teaching, research, and community engagement, with a focus on building partnerships and promoting equity and excellence.

Requirements include an RN license (SC or eligibility), a graduate nursing degree, and a doctoral degree with scholarly distinction suitable for a full professor.

Qualifications

• RN licensure in South Carolina or eligibility
• Graduate degree in nursing
• Earned doctorate
• Significant leadership, education, practice and research experience
• Scholarly distinction suitable for full professor

Responsibilities

• Set and execute a forward-looking vision for nursing and higher education
• Champion innovation and technology in the College of Nursing
• Build strong internal and external partnerships
• Advance academic-practice and research collaborations

Job description

Columbia, South Carolina The University of South Carolina (USC) seeks a dynamic, community-oriented nurse leader to serve as Dean of the College of Nursing. As South Carolina’s flagship institution with Carnegie Research 1 "Very High Research Activity" and "Community Engaged" designations, USC stands at the forefront of teaching, research, creative activity, and community engagement. The University is home to nearly 60,000 students, 2,647 faculty, 5,588 staff, and offers more than 350 academic programs across 16 colleges and schools.

Description

Search for the Dean, College of Nursing

University of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina

The University of South Carolina (USC) seeks a dynamic, community-oriented nurse leader to serve as Dean of the College of Nursing. As South Carolina’s flagship institution with Carnegie Research 1 "Very High Research Activity" and "Community Engaged" designations, USC stands at the forefront of teaching, research, creative activity, and community engagement. The University is home to nearly 60,000 students, 2,647 faculty, 5,588 staff, and offers more than 350 academic programs across 16 colleges and schools.

The College of Nursing plays a vital role in advancing USC’s mission and impact. The College is thriving with strong enrollment of around 2,300 students, NCLEX pass rates consistently exceeding state and national averages, innovative academic offerings—including a new nurse-midwifery program—and sustained national distinction. The College supports $10.2 million in annual external research funding, with a new Biobehavioral Research Center under construction, and benefits from a landmark public‑private partnership with Lexington Health that resulted in a 52,000-square-foot, state‑of‑the‑art Clinical Education Building featuring a nationally accredited simulation center.

The next Dean will advance a high-performing college grounded in a connected community; set and execute a forward-looking vision for nursing and higher education; champion innovation and technology; and build strong internal and external partnerships. Success as Dean will require exceptional communication, organizational savvy, and the ability to advance academic-practice and research collaborations.

To fulfill accreditation requirements, the Dean must be a registered nurse with a graduate degree in nursing and an earned doctorate. They will hold current or eligible RN licensure in South Carolina, and demonstrate scholarly distinction consistent with the expectations for a full professor. Significant experience in nursing leadership, education, practice, and research is expected.

The University of South Carolina is committed to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in its educational and employment activities. This commitment is integral to the university’s mission and purpose; as such, the university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other characteristics protected under applicable federal or state law.

Posted On 8/31/2026 Job Type Dean/Director School/Institution University of South Carolina Job Location Columbia, SC