Program Director, School of Physician Assistant Studies - University of Florida

Program Director & Clinical Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

University of Florida, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Program Director, School of Physician Assistant Studies. University of Florida seeks an experienced professional to serve in this important role. The Program Director will play a central role in providing leadership and oversight of the academic, financial, and administrative activities of the school. This full-time, non-tenure track position at the rank of Clinical Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor will report to the Senior Associate Dean for Educational Affairs. The role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities typically associated with a department chair, including strategic planning, faculty recruitment and development, and curriculum enhancement. The Program Director will sustain and further develop the education, clinical service, and research missions of the school, ensuring their integration with the overall strategic goals of the College of Medicine. This position requires a leader committed to fostering excellence in education, clinical care, research, and service. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide effective leadership in assisting the school in excelling in its missions of education, clinical care, research, and service.
• Oversee the academic, financial, and administrative operations of the school, ensuring alignment with the College of Medicine's strategic goals.
• Maintain and enhance the school's accreditation through ARC-PA and ensure compliance with all applicable accreditation standards and regulations.
• Mentor and retain high-quality faculty, promoting their scholarship and development, in coordination with the College of Medicine.
• Recruit a highly qualified student body and ensure they attain a high level of academic achievement.
• Foster an environment of collaboration and support among faculty, staff, and students within and external to the School.
• Increase active and simulation-based learning within the educational program by leveraging innovative technologies including AI to prepare students for the evolving health care landscape.
• Promote scholarly activities within the School.
• Support and supervise the hiring of professional, technical, and administrative staff.
• Oversee all administrative and financial affairs of the School, including managing revenue and expenses in consultation with the Office of Educational Affairs and the Dean's Office.
• Coordinate philanthropic activities through the College of Medicine’s Office of Advancement.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with UF Health System and other affiliates to optimize clinical rotation sites, ensuring students receive essential practical experience and promoting robust employment outcomes post-graduation.
• Act as a collaborative partner with UF Health to facilitate the integration of faculty into clinical practice, while also serving as a resource to support educational quality and enhance healthcare delivery.
• Represent the School to internal and external stakeholders, including accrediting bodies, national organizations such as AAPA and PAEA, healthcare partners, and the broader academic community, building and maintaining relationships to enhance the program’s reputation and resources.

About University of Florida:

University of Florida, ranked among the top ten public universities in the United States, is the state's most comprehensive institution, serving as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. As a land-grant university with ties to every Florida county, UF addresses the distinct needs of the state while responding to global currents, making it an economic and ecological crossroads. Located in Gainesville, FL, and within sight of two coastlines, UF offers an unparalleled setting for discovery. The university's vibrant community of over 60,000 students benefits from more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and over $1 billion in annual research expenditures. With a 97% freshman retention rate, UF fosters an environment where students thrive both academically and socially, preparing them for successful careers and meaningful lives while confronting global challenges with optimism.

About the College of Medicine:

The College of Medicine, the largest of six colleges at the University of Florida Academic Health Center, opened in 1956 with a mission to increase Florida’s supply of highly qualified physicians, provide advanced health care services to the residents of Florida and foster discovery in health research.

Since graduating its first medical students in 1960, the college has graduated more than 5,000 physicians. The college also offers master’s and doctoral degree programs, including: biomedical sciences, biomedical informatics, health outcomes and implementation science, physician assistant studies, among others. The college’s Gainesville campus comprises 28 clinical and foundational science departments and the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies and is staffed by more than 1,400 faculty members.

About the School of Physician Assistant Studies

Founded in 1972, the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies is ranked #14 in the nation by US News and World Report. The program has 11 faculty members and admits 60 students per year. The program has successfully educated more than 5,000 PAs and its students achieve a 97% pass rate for the national certifying exam. PA students and faculty have access to the world-class resources offered at the University of Florida, including the Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation.

About the Community:

Gainesville, Florida, is a vibrant and welcoming city with a strong focus on education and innovation. The city is rich in natural beauty, with numerous parks, trails, and nearby springs, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Gainesville's community is diverse and tight-knit, offering a blend of cultural experiences, from local art galleries to lively music scenes. The economy is dynamic, driven by education, healthcare, and a growing tech sector, making Gainesville a hub for both career opportunities and quality living. With its blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, Gainesville offers a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Commensurate with education and experience.

• Master’s degree in PA studies
• Eligibility for licensure as a PA in the state of Florida.
• Proven leadership experience in academic, clinical, and research settings, preferably within a physician assistant studies program.
• Demonstrated success in faculty development, student recruitment, and maintaining accreditation.
• Strong financial judgement and experience in managing administrative and financial operations.
• Ability to foster collaboration and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Doctoral degree in a related discipline preferred.

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Director, School of Physician Assistant Studies at University of Florida should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Jamie Marcus, Vice President

Scott Healy & Associates

jamiemarcus@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. 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.)

Applications received by November 8, 2024, will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire.  A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

The university shall provide equal employment opportunities and practices for all qualified persons which conform to laws against discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, marital status, veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act, sex, national origin, disability, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, or age; and to promote the full realization of equal opportunity through a positive, continuing program of affirmative action which shall be aimed at enlarging and expanding the employment opportunities of qualified women and minority groups through the university.