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, the University 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 Maine’s 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 Maine’s 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 in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences. Built on the strong foundation of long-standing, respected academic units, the new College is designed to elevate USM’s leadership and expertise in health professions education, research, and workforce development across Maine and the region.

About the Dean’s Position

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions serves 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 College’s 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 academic–practice 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 academic–practice 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 $185,000 and is primarily located on the Portland campus with expectation 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 Master's 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 academic–practice 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 Day—and 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, visit the job posting on our USM Careers Page and 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 April 8, 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 www.maine.edu/title-ix/.