Dean of the School of Health Sciences
Whitworth University
5443 Fremontia Lane San Diego CA 92115 US
Salary: $175,000–$190,000 annually
Position Type: Administrative (Faculty Status)
Location: Whitworth University Campus; consistent, in-person engagement required
Application Review Begins: November 16, 2026; open until filled
Whitworth University seeks a visionary, collaborative, and mission-driven leader to serve as Dean of the School of Health Sciences. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President, the dean will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for a growing portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
The dean will guide the next phase of the school’s growth, including launching new nursing and social work programs, advancing academic excellence, strengthening healthcare partnerships, and supporting student success while advancing Whitworth’s Christian mission.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for the School of Health Sciences and contribute to university-wide planning and initiatives.
Lead the implementation of new nursing and social work programs while sustaining excellence across established health professions programs.
Ensure academic quality, accreditation compliance, and continuous improvement.
Recruit, develop, and support faculty, academic leaders, and staff.
Foster enrollment growth, student success, and innovative academic pathways.
Build partnerships with healthcare systems, community organizations, alumni, employers, and donors.
Promote a culture grounded in Christian faith, academic excellence, collaboration, and service.
Required Qualifications
An earned doctorate or other terminal degree in health sciences, a health profession, behavioral health, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
Successful prior service as a dean or associate dean with substantial academic, personnel, budget, and strategic responsibilities.
Senior leadership experience with accredited health professions programs, including specialized accreditation, state approval or authorization, assessment, and ongoing compliance.
Working knowledge of nursing, occupational therapy doctorate (OTD), and doctor of physical therapy (DPT) education and their distinct requirements.
A record of developing or materially expanding academic programs, including planning, approval, launch, evaluation, and responsible resource allocation.
Demonstrated commitment to students and effective leadership and development of faculty and staff.
A personal commitment to Christian faith and the ability to articulate how faith informs vocation and leadership within Whitworth’s ecumenical community.
Experience building substantive healthcare and community partnerships, strong communication skills, and sound financial and organizational judgment.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred candidates will bring direct dean-level oversight of nursing, OTD, and DPT programs, including experience with CCNE, ACOTE, CAPTE, and state nursing board processes; success securing initial accreditation or sustaining specialized accreditation through significant program growth; and experience in clinical partnerships, interprofessional education, graduate and doctoral education, fundraising, and external engagement. Academic and professional accomplishments supporting appointment at a senior faculty rank are also preferred.
About Whitworth
Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university committed to providing its diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. Candidates should be willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.
Application Instructions
Submit a cover letter, résumé, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin November 16, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the full Search Profile. Faith statement resources are also available.
The successful candidate must complete a background check and sexual misconduct check. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout employment. Whitworth does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.
Whitworth complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws for religious nonprofit institutions. The university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth, including members of racial and ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.