For best consideration, complete applications should be received before October 20, 2025.

Complete information is available in the Search Profile.

Utah State University seeks an experienced professional and demonstrated leader to serve as the Department Head of Nursing in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Utah State University is currently seeking a qualified and dynamic Department Head of Nursing in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. The successful candidate will provide effective leadership including, but not limited to, responsibility for communication, ongoing program planning and assessment, and fiscal management. This opportunity includes working with college leadership in planning and directing increased funding aimed at facilitating growth in the nursing program, including hiring new faculty and increasing enrollment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current RN license in Utah or eligibility for compact state licensure.
• Earned doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, or EdD) with at least one graduate degree in nursing OR master’s degree in nursing (doctoral degree preferred).
• Minimum of six years of full-time nursing education experience, including three years in an academic leadership role.
• Demonstrated record of teaching, curriculum development, and service meriting faculty appointment at associate or professor rank.
• Substantial experience in academic leadership, program development, and faculty oversight within an accredited nursing program.
• Knowledge of ACEN/CCNE accreditation standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to student-centered education and creating a diverse, equitable learning environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification or advanced degree in nurse leadership, nursing education, or administration, OR national recognition as a leader by a professional nursing organization (e.g., NLN, AACN, AONL/UONL).
• Proven record of university or community service.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the Nursing Department’s mission, strategic planning, and academic operations across all campuses.
• Oversee the delivery and continuity of the BSN, RN to BSN, and ADN programs, ensuring curricula are current, high-quality, and aligned with the university’s objectives.
• Shape the future of the department by developing new programs and expanding existing ones to meet the evolving needs of nursing education.
• Integrate emerging technologies—such as simulation, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence—into teaching and clinical training to strengthen student readiness and relieve the burden on clinical sites.

Academic & Faculty Leadership

• Supervise the faculty, statewide campus operations, academic support staff, part-time clinical teachers, and skills lab teams, promoting a positive, care-driven culture. Support faculty in delivering an outstanding student experience, including regular evaluation and feedback on best practices in teaching and learning.
• Mentor faculty and provide professional growth opportunities.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-quality faculty and staff.
• Oversee curriculum design, workload management, academic scheduling, and quality program delivery.

Student Success & Program Outcomes

• Be accountable for student persistence, graduation rates, first-time NCLEX pass rates, and overall satisfaction.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, implementing data-driven improvements.
• Oversee clinical operations for coordination of clinical placements and expansion of simulation-based learning opportunities.
• Promote an inclusive and welcoming learning environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds.

Accreditation & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ACEN accreditation standards, state/national regulations, and university policies.
• Lead accreditation preparation, institutional reporting, and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Serve as a liaison between local, state, and national organizations to ensure programs meet all regulatory requirements.

Resource & Operations Management

• Develop and manage budgets for academic operations, ensuring adequate resources to fulfill the department’s mission and goals.
• Lead strategic investment in facilities, staffing, and innovation.
• Collaborate with USU PR and Marketing to grow enrollment and implement targeted advertising strategies.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The ideal candidate will:

• Lead with integrity and transparency.
• Build partnerships inside and outside the university.
• Communicate clearly and effectively.
• Adapt to change and guide others through it.
• Promote student success and belonging across varied life experiences.
• Balance strategic vision with hands-on support for faculty and staff.

Community & University Engagement

• Represent the Nursing Department at institutional, state, regional, and national levels.
• Build strong partnerships with healthcare organizations, alumni, and community stakeholders.

Teaching & Service

• Teach 1–2 nursing courses annually.
• Engage in service activities aligned with professional expertise.
• Contract Term: Tenured Track, 12 months

LOGAN, UTAH

Founded in 1859, Logan is nestled at the foot of the nearly 10,000-foot-high Bear River Mountain Range. Situated on the Logan River in northern Utah about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City, Logan is known for its natural beauty. Logan Canyon, a 40-mile community park leading to 18-mile-long Bear Lake, is called the Rocky Mountain Caribbean for its azure blue waters. Boasting outstanding fishing, biking, hiking, skiing, and golfing, Logan also has an excellent park system encompassing one of Utah’s two zoos, and a challenging municipal golf course.

Logan features an opera company, repertory theatre, several dance companies, renowned artists, and fabulous facilities for them. Several points of interest include the LDS Tabernacle, Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, American West Heritage Center, Museum of Anthropology, Logan Fine Art Gallery, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum, and even a tour of Prodigy Brewing. Downtown Logan adds to the adventures as do sundry restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Logan has a wide range of economic sectors, with a focus on education, manufacturing and processing, medical services, agriculture, and retail businesses. The city’s largest employers are, of course, Utah State University and Space Dynamics Laboratory. Other major employers include ICON Health & Fitness (IFIT), Campbell Scientific, Cache Valley Bank, Conservice, Cache County School District, Cytiva, Entegris, Gossner Foods, Intermountain Health, JBS USA, Lee’s Marketplace, Logan Regional Hospital, Logan City School District, Pepperidge Farm, RR Donnelley, Thermo Fisher Scientific, TTM Technologies, S&S – Sansei Technologies, and Schreiber Foods.

Logan is served by two public school districts—mainly Logan City School District but also Cache County School District for certain neighborhoods. There are eight public schools in the Logan City School District: six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, Logan High School. The Cache County School District has four high schools outside Logan in other cities. Charter schools include Edith Bowen Laboratory School (K-6) on the USU campus, Bear River Charter School (K-6), and Fast Forward Charter High School. InTech Collegiate Academy is a STEM-focused, early college high school partnered with USU.