Elon University

Founding Chair/Program Director of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Charlotte, NC

Elon University, a selective university renowned as a model for engaged learning, in partnership with the national search firm, Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Chair/Program Director of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. The new PA program based in Charlotte is seeking accreditation independent of the existing PA program based in Elon. The university seeks a dynamic and innovative Department Chair/Program Director to lead development of a new Physician Assistant Studies program based in Charlotte, North Carolina. This founding Department Chair/Program Director will provide the essential leadership necessary to establish and grow the new Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

The Department Chair/Program Director will report directly to the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Maha Lund, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA. The Search Committee is being Chaired by Stephen Folger, PT, PhD, Director of Operations and Accreditation, School of Health Sciences, and Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Education.

This position is tenure-track eligible. The compensation offered will be commensurate with qualifications and include an excellent benefits package and generous retirement plan.

The program’s initial provisional accreditation process has been started with the Accreditation Review Commission for the Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and targets a January 2027 program start date. The curriculum is planned for 24 months with 12-month didactic and 12-month clinical phases. This PA program will be housed within Elon University’s School of Health Sciences (SHS), which currently includes an existing Department of Physician Assistant Studies program established in 2012 that is based in Elon, NC as well as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program established in 1998, and Department of Nursing program established in 2021.

Purpose: This founding Department Chair/Program Director will provide the essential leadership necessary to establish and grow the new Department of Physician Assistant Studies in Charlotte.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Administrative
   1. Responsible for the organization, administration, continuous review/analysis, and planning/development of the program.
   2. Supervises the medical director, faculty, and staff in all activities related directly to the program.
   3. Responsible for all activities related to ARC-PA accreditation.
   4. Responsible for departmental budgets and managing funding to meet departmental goals and objectives.
   5. Conducts annual performance appraisals of all staff and faculty.
   6. Responsible for assigning and monitoring faculty workload.
   7. Responsible for faculty and staff recruitment, hiring, and retention within the department.
   8. Assists in student recruitment and admissions.
   9. Serves as spokesperson for the department and participates in public relations/development office activities at the local, state, and national level.
   10. Serves on University committees based on policies described in the Faculty Handbook.
   11. Serves on the School of Health Sciences leadership team, creating shared vision and commitment to strategic planning and institutional priorities.
2. Educational and Service
   1. Provides leadership and support for faculty development.
   2. Maintains a teaching load aligned with the responsibilities of the director position in consultation with the dean.
   3. Creates expectations and opportunities to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the new Department of Physician Assistant Studies.
   4. Oversees development and continuous assessment, and enhancement of program curriculum.
   5. Participates in the development and continuous review of all materials on the University Department of Physician Assistant Studies web site, brochures, and student handbooks for the new program.
   6. Plans and participates in student orientation.
   7. Pursues scholarship and maintains a record of ongoing scholarly activity.
   8. Engages relevant community partners and participates in community outreach activities.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree and graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program. A doctoral degree is preferred.
2. Current or emeritus NCCPA certification.
3. PA license in North Carolina or eligibility.
4. Three years of full-time higher education experience, preferably in a PA program.
5. Three years of clinical experience preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

1. Academic program organization and administration
2. PA program leadership
3. Classroom/clinical teaching
4. Building and maintaining a curriculum which emphasizes engaged learning
5. Exceptional communication skills
6. Development and management of department budget
7. Knowledge of the ARC-PA accreditation process
8. Strong support for faculty development
9. Demonstrated commitment to students

About Elon University:

Elon University is the nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture. With an intentional focus on outstanding teaching and hands-on learning, a student’s education involves mentors and peers who connect the dots between knowledge and the impact it can make.

This North Carolina university was recently honored to be ranked among the top universities in the nation by US News & World Report, receiving a #1 ranking for undergraduate teaching and a #13 ranking for "most innovative" University.

The University is comprised of six schools that serve a selective student body of over 7,000. Elon is one of only seven private universities in the country with accredited schools of business, communications, education, law, and health sciences, plus a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.

About Charlotte, North Carolina:

Charlotte is one of the 20 largest cities in the U.S. and the largest city in North Carolina. Home to over 900,000 residents, it offers a vibrant blend of Southern charm and urban appeal, with a strong focus on housing development, community safety, efficient transportation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The city hosts more than 10 Fortune 1000 companies, such as Bank of America, Lowe’s, and Duke Energy, making it a major financial and business hub.

Residents enjoy a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and the historic Uptown district. Sports fans can enjoy the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Charlotte FC, or visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Outdoor enthusiasts have access to the U.S. National Whitewater Center and extensive greenways and parks. With its diverse job market, affordable cost of living, and variety of amenities, Charlotte is an attractive city for professionals and families alike.

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Founding Chair/Program Director of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Elon University should be directed in confidence to the University’s Executive Search Consultant:

Lea Johnson, EdD, RN, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
lea@scotthealy.com
518-338-4003

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position,
2. Updated CV,
3. List of three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Review of applications will begin immediately and will be rolling until filled. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of people, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences in their cover letter. Anticipated start date is February 2025.

Elon University is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body and welcomes all applicants.