Job Description / Duties

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) seeks an innovative and visionary individual committed to promoting and fostering excellence in teaching, research, professional practice, and service as its next Dean of the College of Health Professions (CHP). This is an opportunity for a creative academic leader within the health sciences to build upon the current success of CHP and its faculty, leading the college to its next level as a leader in health professions education. Reporting to the Provost, the new Dean is expected to be a key contributor in the implementation of GVSU's strategic plan, "Reach Higher 2025", in order to position GVSU as the top choice for students, faculty, staff, and community partners. 

The College includes several Departments: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Occupational Science and Therapy; Physical Therapy & Athletic Training; Physician Assistant Studies; and the School of Interdisciplinary Health. CHP delivers ten baccalaureate programs, seven masters programs, and three entry-level clinical doctoral programs (Physical Therapy, Audiology, and Occupational Therapy). In Fall 2021, CHP had an enrollment of 1593 undergraduate and 804 graduate students. There are 93 full-time faculty members.

CHP utilizes classrooms and other academic space in three state-of-the-art buildings, forming the GVSU health campus. The newly-constructed Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health adds 15 classrooms and 14 interactive laboratories. Among the highlights of the new center: spaces for electronic 3D modeling and imaging of the body and its organs, and a Simulation Center with 24 standardized patient rooms and 10 hospital rooms. This center enhances collaboration between students in GVSU's 65 health-related programs and learning using state-of-the-industry simulation and technology. CHP also has programs and activities in Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall and the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences.

The new CHP Dean will articulate a vision and corresponding plan that will result in the College being recognized nationally as a leader in the preparation of superior providers of health care. The Dean will foster excellence in teaching, research, and service to the university, community, and respective professions, and provide leadership in promoting diversity through the pursuit of stated goals for students, staff, and faculty.

Candidates must have an earned doctorate and possess a record of accomplishments consistent with appointment as a full professor. We seek candidates who can inspire faculty and staff to work together to build outstanding academic programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong management skills and the ability to effectively partner with a broad range of internal and external constituents. The successful candidate will be a persuasive communicator with strong and highly effective interpersonal skills. 

Founded in 1960, GVSU has become one of the most dynamic comprehensive public institutions of higher education in Michigan with an enrollment of 22,400 students and campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids, and Holland, as well as centers in Battle Creek, Muskegon, Traverse City, and Detroit, Michigan. Despite its growth in size and complexity since it began, GVSU has remained dedicated to its liberal education philosophy as the foundation of every academic program.

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Applications should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae and be sent via email to GVSUDeanHealth@wittkieffer.com.  Inquiries may be directed to Diane Smith at 267-766-0410 or Claudia Teschky at 630-575-6172, the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search.

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities. See https://www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/.