UNC Chapel Hill, School of Nursing Associate Dean of Simulation and Experiential Learning
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Job Location:
Chapel Hill, NC - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
23 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Nursing
Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning and Professor (Open Rank Academic or Clinical Track)
School of Nursing
Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning and Professor (Open Rank Academic or Clinical Track)
Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing in its search for Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning and Professor (Open Rank Academic or Clinical Track).
For full consideration please apply by May 4 2026.
This is a rare and prestigious opportunity to lead one of the nations most established simulation enterprises in nursing education at a moment of extraordinary institutional momentum. Amid sustained enrollment growth and strategic investment in nursing workforce development The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing (Carolina Nursing) is elevating simulation and experiential learning as a central pillar of its academic mission. Carolina Nursings Education Innovation Simulation Learning Environment (EISLE) is not simply a supporting unit; it is a flagship program that has helped define Carolina Nursings national reputation and shape best practices in immersive evidence-based nursing education for decades. The Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning and Professor will build on this strong foundational legacy while bringing innovation and vision to help shape the future of simulation-based experiential learning for academic nursing and clinical education.
With nearly $2.9 million in new UNC System funding dedicated to nursing expansion including significant investment in simulation personnel infrastructure and advanced technologies the Associate Dean will steward one of the most visible and well-supported simulation portfolios in the country. Set to open in spring of 2027 the new Nursing Education Building will feature three dedicated floors of purpose-built simulation space signaling deep institutional commitment and long-term strategic alignment. This level of backing reflects not only confidence in the programs trajectory but an expectation that Carolina Nursing will lead the national standard guided by Dean Valerie Howards longstanding commitment and investment in simulation and experiential learning. A leader in evidence-based simulation education and former president of the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Dr. Howard helped advance the first national standards for simulation best practices and brings a deep understanding of what is required to build and sustain a high-performing simulation program.
The role arrives at a pivotal moment of growth and opportunity. Expanded staff increasing engagement with clinical and academic partners and high-impact initiatives such as the Tar Heel Academic Practice Partnership and Carolina Nursings virtual reality simulation program position EISLE for broader interprofessional collaboration and statewide impact. The Associate Dean will bring cohesion strategic clarity and bold innovation to an already distinguished enterprise strengthening organization alignment reinforcing its identity and amplifying national visibility and influence in simulation-based nursing education.
Designed as a 50% faculty and 50% administrative appointment this role is ideally suited for a nationally respected senior faculty leader who brings both scholarly credibility and strategic leadership to advancing simulation and experiential learning. The administrative appointment reports to the Dean with the faculty support from the Division Chair. The Associate Dean will join Carolina Nursings senior leadership team and help shape the future of simulation-based nursing education at one of the nations leading public research universities.
This position is fully on-site.
View the full Leadership Profile to learn more about this opportunity Carolina Nursing UNC Chapel Hill and the community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative-Specific Responsibilities Include:
- Strategic Leadership: Lead initiatives to integrate cutting-edge simulation methodologies into the curriculum.
- Partnership Development: Strengthen partnerships with clinical and community partners to enhance experiential learning opportunities.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure high-quality evidence-based experiential learning that prepares students for real-world nursing practice.
- Program Oversight: Oversee enhance and expand simulation-based education and experiential learning opportunities for nursing students across undergraduate and graduate programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree (PhD DNP EdD or equivalent) in nursing education or a related field.
- Experience and qualifications commensurate with a faculty appointment at the rank of Full or Associate Professor on either the tenure-earning or clinical track.
- Active unencumbered RN license or eligibility for licensure in North Carolina.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in simulation-based education or experiential learning including leadership of programs teams or initiatives within an academic or healthcare setting.
- Expertise in simulation pedagogy debriefing methodologies and experiential learning strategies.
- Demonstrated success in curriculum development faculty mentorship and interprofessional collaboration.
- Experience in program evaluation accreditation processes and research related to simulation and experiential learning.
- Strong communication organizational and leadership skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Certification in simulation education (e.g. CHSE CHSOS or equivalent).
- Experience with emerging simulation technologies including virtual and augmented reality.
- Grant-writing and external funding experience.
- National recognition in the field of simulation and experiential learning.
About the Institution
Founded in 1789 as the first public university in the United States The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the nations leading public research universities and the flagship institution of the UNC System. The University enrolls 31000 students supported by 4000 faculty and 9000 staff who come to Chapel Hill from around the world bringing varied cultural racial socio-economic and ethnic heritages that help make UNC Chapel Hill a thriving and diverse global intellectual center.
Consistently ranked among the top public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report UNC Chapel Hill is widely recognized for both academic excellence and exceptional value. Classified among the nations R1 research universities UNC Chapel Hill is home to world-renowned programs across disciplines including medicine public health business law and health sciences.
Located in the Research Triangle alongside Duke University and North Carolina State University UNC Chapel Hill sits within one of the countrys most dynamic hubs for research healthcare innovation and technology development. This environment fosters deep collaboration across academia industry and clinical practice reinforcing Carolinas role as a global center of discovery education and public service.
Learn more about The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Quick Facts
About the School of Nursing
Established in 1950 Carolina Nursing is a nationally recognized leader in nursing education research and clinical innovation. The School offers highly ranked BSN MSN DNP and PhD programs along with post-graduate certificate programs that prepare nurse leaders to improve health outcomes locally nationally and globally.
Located on UNC Chapel Hills health sciences campus and within walking distance of the Schools of Medicine Public Health Pharmacy Dentistry and Social Work Carolina Nursing benefits from a deeply collaborative interprofessional environment. Its proximity to UNC Hospitals one of the nations leading academic health systems further strengthens opportunities for clinical education research partnerships and translational impact.
Carolina Nursing faculty lead and contribute to a diverse portfolio of multidisciplinary research and scholarship addressing critical health challenges. The School is widely recognized for its commitment to academic excellence community engagement and innovative models of experiential learning that prepare the next generation of nursing leaders.
Learn more about Carolina Nursing: Quick Facts
Living in the Area
Located in central North Carolina Chapel Hill is a multicultural university town known for its blend of small-town charm cultural richness and academic energy. Together with nearby Raleigh and Durham Chapel Hill forms the renowned Research Triangle one of the countrys leading hubs for research healthcare and technology.
The region offers an exceptional quality of life with highly regarded schools nationally recognized healthcare systems and a strong growing economy anchored by Research Triangle Park one of the largest research parks in the world. Residents enjoy easy access to parks greenways and outdoor recreation including the nearby North Carolina Botanical Garden.
The heart of Chapel Hill is Franklin Street a lively downtown district featuring more than 200 restaurants cafés music venues and locally owned shops. Cultural opportunities throughout the Triangle include performing arts museums festivals and collegiate athletics contributing to a dynamic and welcoming community.
Chapel Hills central location also allows convenient travel to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and North Carolinas Atlantic coastline making it easy to explore the states diverse landscapes and outdoor destinations. Chapel Hill consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States for quality of life education and community vitality.
Learn more about the area: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau / Research Triangle Park
To Apply
For full consideration please apply by May 4 2026.
Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.
Inquiries referrals and nominations are also treated confidentially.
Inquiries and questions: Please send to .
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominees name title and contact information if available to .
Institutional Information
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age color gender gender expression gender identity genetic information national origin race religion sex or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Required Experience:
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