Chair of Rehabilitation Sciences and Program Director of BSHS Pre-Clinical Studies (Tenured F927)

Job Title

Chair of Rehabilitation Sciences and Program Director of BSHS Pre-Clinical Studies (Tenured F927)

Department

SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY & ATHLETIC TRAINING

Position Number

F927

Job Description

The Ellmer College of Health Sciences invites applications for a dynamic, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as Chair of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a comprehensive and growing department with strong professional programs, dedicated faculty, and meaningful community partnerships. The Chair will shape the future of health and rehabilitation education, respond to evolving workforce needs and emerging trends, and contribute to the broader mission and impact of the university.

The Chair provides academic, strategic, and administrative leadership for a comprehensive department that includes programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Recreational Therapy, and Preclinical Studies. The role also serves as Program Director for the newly launched Pre‑Clinical Studies major in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program, leading curriculum development, assessment, program growth, and student success initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership of the department, including vision, mission, and long‑term planning.
• Faculty development, mentorship, and support of a collegial, inclusive, high‑performing culture.
• Fiscal stewardship: budget planning, resource allocation, and expansion of funding for scholarship and training.
• Accreditation oversight and continuous quality improvement for undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation across all programs.
• Engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including clinical agencies, community organizations, alumni, advisory boards, and partners to enhance student learning, research impact, and community engagement.
• Leadership of the Pre‑Clinical Studies major, including curriculum development, assessment, and student success initiatives.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (PhD, EdD, ScD, or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and eligibility for appointment as a tenured Associate Professor.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly productivity appropriate for a tenured faculty appointment.
• Documented academic or research leadership experience (e.g., Program Director, Department Chair, Associate Chair, Research Lab or Center Director).
• Experience with academic administration, including curriculum oversight, assessment, and accreditation or continuous quality improvement processes.
• Demonstrated ability to provide collaborative, strategic leadership, including faculty mentorship, resource management, and engagement with institutional and external stakeholders.
• Preferred: record of external grant funding and/or leadership of multidisciplinary or collaborative research programs.
• Preferred: experience with innovative, evidence‑informed, and/or technology‑enhanced teaching and learning approaches across undergraduate or graduate education.
• Preferred: commitment to person‑centered, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices in teaching, research, leadership, and clinical engagement.
• Preferred: record of interprofessional collaboration and/or meaningful community‑engaged partnerships that enhance education, research, or practice.
• Preferred: experience contributing to program growth, innovation, or strategic initiatives within academic or health professions settings.

Conditions of Employment

All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.

Location

Norfolk, VA

Position Type

Full Time

Recruitment Type

General Public

Telework

No

Application Instructions

Interested candidates must apply at and attach the following with their online application:

• Letter of application highlighting qualifications for the position and leadership philosophy;
• Current CV;
• A statement of scholarly interests and accomplishments;
• A statement of teaching philosophy and approaches;
• Unofficial graduate transcripts;
• Contact information for three professional references.

Applications should be submitted by February 09, 2026 for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757)683-3141.