Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, College of Health Sciences

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (MDCHS)
Mary Baldwin University (Staunton/Fishersville, VA)
Preferred start: 2025–26 academic year

Position Overview

The Dean and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the chief academic leader and administrative head of the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences. The Dean/CAO is responsible for academic excellence and faculty leadership (65%) as well as operational stewardship of the branch campus (35%). The Dean/CAO provides transformational academic leadership across all programs, ensures accreditation and assessment, supports faculty distinction and research, fosters interprofessional education, and advances student success. At the same time, the Dean/CAO stewards operations, budgets, and facilities to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. The Dean/CAO champions MDCHS’s mission to address regional workforce needs through interprofessional education and community-engaged health professions training, while cultivating a culture grounded in equity and inclusion. The college aspires to be nationally recognized for preparing practice-ready professionals who advance health outcomes through innovation and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Academic leadership and quality (primary focus): Lead mission-aligned curricula, assessment, and continuous improvement across a portfolio of health sciences programs. Ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
• Accreditation and compliance: Direct college-level accreditation readiness and processes; support program-level accreditation in collaboration with faculty.
• Faculty distinction and excellence: Recruit, support, and evaluate faculty and staff; promote professional development, mentorship, and a collaborative, student-centered culture. Build a faculty of distinction that advances teaching, research, and practice. Foster a culture where faculty thrive as teachers, scholars, and collaborators, and where students experience an engaged, supportive learning environment.
• Interprofessional and community engagement: Champion interprofessional education and expand partnerships with health systems, clinics, and community organizations. Strengthen external collaborations to enhance student learning, applied practice opportunities, and the College’s regional and national visibility.
• Student success: Collaborate on enrollment strategy, program innovation, and student retention initiatives.
• Research and scholarship: Support faculty scholarship and research productivity, including applied research and opportunities for student engagement. Encourage innovation that addresses pressing community health challenges and elevates MDCHS as a leader in health sciences education.
• Operational stewardship: Oversee budget, personnel, academic scheduling, and facilities planning to support the academic mission.

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a terminal degree in a health-related field and a record of teaching, scholarship, and service meriting an appointment at associate professor or above.
• Demonstrate proven academic leadership at the college/school level, including curriculum oversight, accreditation leadership, and faculty governance.
• Show success in building faculty distinction, fostering professional development, and supporting scholarship and research.
• Be an effective communicator and collaborator who builds trust, aligns stakeholders, and drives results.
• Strengthen and expand external partnerships that advance student learning, research opportunities, and the College’s visibility in the health sciences community.
• Evidence of a sustained commitment to equity and inclusion in their interactions with students, staff, faculty, and community at large.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in a health-related field from an accredited institution.
• Record of scholarship/teaching/service commensurate with appointment at associate professor or above.
• Demonstrated leadership in accreditation and academic quality assurance.
• Significant experience with budget and personnel oversight.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to build consensus and collaborate across units.
• Highly desirable: Experience with interprofessional education and professional accreditation processes.

About Mary Baldwin University

Founded in 1842, Mary Baldwin University (MBU) is a small, coeducational university offering degrees from bachelor to doctoral. MBU serves a diverse student population on our historic Staunton campus, at Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in nearby Fishersville, and online. MBU empowers students to become leaders in the classroom, community, and workplace.

About Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences

Opened in 2014, MDCHS addresses regional healthcare workforce needs through clinically focused professional education. We believe complex community health challenges are best solved by professionals who value interprofessional collaboration and who thrive in a culture that embraces inclusivity and equitable access to healthcare. Our vision is to be the region’s primary partner for community-oriented interventions that improve health and life outcomes. The college is also committed to expanding its visibility as a trusted partner to health systems, community organizations, and professional associations, positioning itself as a hub for innovation, applied research, and workforce readiness.

Located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, MDCHS offers faculty, staff, and students an exceptional setting with vibrant cultural life, natural beauty, and strong community ties.

Application Process

A complete application includes:

1. Cover letter describing interest and qualifications, including a brief statement on commitment to equity and inclusion.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Three professional references with titles, affiliations, email addresses, and direct phone numbers (no references will be contacted without prior written permission)

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 1; review continues until the position is filled.

To inquire or apply (in confidence):
Tara Miller, Director of Operations for Murphy Deming 
twmiller@marybaldwin.edu
Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
100 Baldwin Blvd., Fishersville, VA 22939

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mary Baldwin University is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff, and faculty. The university does not discriminate on the basis sex, gender, nor does the university discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, age, disability, religion, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.