Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions

The University of Southern Maine invites applications and nominations for the inaugural Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP). This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a visionary collaborative and accomplished academic leader to shape and lead a newly established college at a pivotal moment of growth and impact.

About the University of Southern Maine

Founded in 1878 theUniversity of Southern Maine (USM)is a learning-centered comprehensive public university serving southern Maine and the broader New England region. With campuses in Portland Gorham and Lewiston as well as a robust online presence USM enrolls a diverse student population and is deeply connected to the communities it serves. As part of the University of Maine System USM is committed to challenging students academically in a supportive student-focused environment while preparing them to achieve their educational professional and personal goals.

As Maines public comprehensive research university USM emphasizes hands-on learning interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful community engagement. The University prepares broadly educated graduates for leadership and global citizenship while advancing applied research creative activity and public service aligned with regional and statewide priorities.

USM offers a wide range of undergraduate graduate and professional programs across the arts and sciences business education nursing and health professions public service and applied research fields. Many programs are available online or in flexible formats supporting access for learners at all stages of life. With a strong commitment to academic quality accredited programs and personalized learning USM plays a vital role in strengthening Maines workforce economy and civic life while advancing opportunity in an inclusive and diverse society.

About the College of Nursing and Health Professions

The College of Nursing and Health Professions brings together nationally accredited high-impact programs inNursingOccupational Therapy andExercise Health and Sport Sciences. Built on the strong foundation of long-standing respected academic units the new College is designed to elevate USMs leadership and expertise in health professions education research and workforce development across Maine and the region.

About the Deans Position

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs theDean of the College of Nursing and Health Professionsserves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College. As the inaugural Dean the successful candidate will articulate and advance a compelling vision for the College lead strategic growth and innovation and elevate the Colleges regional and national profile.

The Dean will provide inspirational and innovative leadership during a transformative period building a cohesive college structure while honoring the strengths identities and accreditation requirements of each program. The role includes a significant external-facing leadership component with opportunities to influence health policy workforce strategy and academicpractice partnerships across Maine and within the University of Maine System.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic academic and administrative leadership for the College of Nursing and Health Professions including Nursing Occupational Therapy and Exercise Health and Sport Sciences.
• Serve as Chief Nurse Administrator for the University ensuring excellence compliance and innovation across undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
• Advance interdisciplinary and interprofessional education including expanded use of simulation telehealth and collaborative practice models.
• Strengthen and expand academicpractice partnerships with healthcare systems community organizations government agencies and professional organizations.
• Champion faculty success through recruitment mentorship promotion and tenure support and the advancement of research and scholarly productivity.
• Lead accreditation and continuous quality improvement efforts across all programs (e.g. CCNE ACOTE CAATE CAAHEP).
• Promote student success access and inclusion through innovative pathways workforce-aligned curricula and community partnerships.
• Oversee fiscal planning and resource stewardship enrollment growth strategies and infrastructure development.
• Collaborate with the USM Foundation and Alumni Relations to strengthen alumni engagement and advance fundraising and philanthropic support.
• Represent the College and University in statewide regional and national leadership advocacy and professional forums.

This position will pay an annual salary of $185000 and is primarily located on the Portland campus withexpectation of work/service in Gorham and Lewiston (LAC).When hired candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon our university culture of student focused every day and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities meetings and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree (PhD DNP or EdD) in Nursing; or earned doctoral degree (PhD or EdD) in a closely related health field with a Masters degree in Nursing (MS or MSN).
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) eligible for an unencumbered license in the State of Maine.
• Record of teaching excellence scholarship and service appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
• Demonstrated administrative leadership experience in higher education including consensus building and shared governance in a large complex and diverse organizational structure.
• Experience with accreditation and quality improvement processes in nursing and/or allied health education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success leading research-active faculty and advancing a culture of inquiry and innovation.
• Experience developing interprofessional education and academicpractice partnership models.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change manage complex budgets and advance enrollment and workforce-aligned initiatives.
• Proven experience in successful fundraising (philanthropy grant writing etc.)
• Strong commitment to student-centered education equity and inclusive excellence.

Why Join USM

USM is deeply committed to its Service Promise Student Focused Every Dayand guided by the values of Responsiveness Respect & Care Integrity and Equity. The Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions will join a collaborative and dynamic leadership team dedicated to public impact community engagement and academic excellence.

To apply click on the Apply Now button below or visit ourUSM Careers Pageand submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.

For full consideration please submit all required materials by March 15 2026.

We cannot consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law the System does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation transgender status gender gender identity or expression ethnicity national origin citizenship status familial status ancestry age disability (physical or mental) genetic information pregnancy or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education programs and activities and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall Room 412 Orono ME 04469-5713 by calling 207.581.1226 or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at Act

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