Dean, College of Health and Education

Wilkes University invites applications for Dean of the College of Health and Education. Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the College's chief academic, administrative, and fiscal officer, providing strategic leadership for the Passan School of Nursing, the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, and the Dr. Richard Abas Alley School of Education. This full-time, 12-month administrative appointment carries faculty rank, with an anticipated start date of July 2027.

The Dean will foster a collaborative, inclusive college culture while respecting each school's distinct identity and professional requirements. Major responsibilities include advancing academic quality and program development; maintaining disciplinary accreditations and state authorizations; recruiting, mentoring, and supporting faculty and staff; managing budgets and resources; and strengthening enrollment, retention, and student success. The Dean will also lead College fundraising efforts and cultivate clinical, school district, alumni, and community partnerships that support student placements, experiential learning, and professional preparation.

Candidates must hold an earned doctorate or other appropriate degree in nursing, education, pharmacy, or a closely related field from an accredited institution and demonstrate a record of teaching, scholarship, and service that merits appointment as a tenured full professor in a College department. At least five years of progressively responsible academic leadership, direct experience with accreditation reviews and self-studies, and experience managing budgets, personnel, and strategic planning in higher education are required.

The successful candidate will bring a collaborative, transparent leadership style; excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills; sound judgment; and a commitment to student success, faculty development, and an inclusive learning environment. Preferred qualifications include multidisciplinary leadership, experience with nursing, pharmacy, and/or education accreditation, and demonstrated success in fundraising, external partnerships, grant-funded initiatives, and enrollment growth.

About Wilkes University

Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,000 students at the undergraduate level and over 1,500 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels.

Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a revitalized city that is located on the lovely Susquehanna River and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.

Application Information

To apply, visit Wilkes University Careers. Please be sure to include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae and three references.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.