Dean of Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences (SONHNS) at InsideHigherEd

Position Announcement

Position:Dean of Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences

Reports to:Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Department:Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences

Start Date:Open Until Filled

Classification:Full-Time, 12-month

Job Description

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) a residential, comprehensive arts & sciences, workforce education institution, seeks a Dean of Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences (SONHNS). With campuses in Tifton and Bainbridge, GA, ABAC is focused on teaching, learning, and experiential training emphasizing student success at all levels. We are interested in candidates who value those same attributes and appreciate the mission and purpose of an access, applied mission baccalaureate degree granting institution.

Candidates must possess a terminal degree in an academic discipline offered within the school and a minimum of five years of supervisory and/or management experience in a higher education environment. As a collaborative, energetic leader, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a strong commitment to student success and faculty/staff development; a comfort with change, innovation, and technology; and the use of data for decision-making. The Dean will report directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and have an active role in executive decisions concerning academics at the institution.

The Dean is responsible for coordinating the delivery of instruction in all programs and discipline areas within the school; ensuring the quality of instruction; conducting the annual review and assessment of faculty performance; recommending faculty for promotion and tenure; managing the school¿s budget; and leading, managing, and supervising the forward progression of the school. The dean is also responsible for operating the school in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University System of Georgia (USG), Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and appropriate accreditation agencies. This is a 12-month administrative position.

The School of Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences is wide-ranging and delivers the math and science courses of the core curriculum as well as junior and senior level coursework. Delivery methods include traditional face-to-face, hybrid, online, and high school dual enrollment. The academic degrees offered through the school include Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN, and Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Provide strategic, innovative leadership for all programs and services within the school.

• Oversee curriculum development, instructional delivery, and program assessment to promote student success.

• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and specialty accreditation standards (e.g., Georgia Board of Nursing, ACEN, SACSCOC).

• Lead strategic planning and growth initiatives aligned with ABAC¿s mission and strategic plan.

• Foster a collegial, student-centered academic environment that promotes integrity and excellence.

• Represent the School in college governance, USG committees, and external partnerships.

• Build and maintain relationships with K-12 partners, transfer institutions, and healthcare organizations.

Faculty & Staff

• Supervise and evaluate faculty, department heads, program coordinators, and support staff.

• Recruit, retain, and develop faculty and staff to support instructional excellence and professional growth.

• Promote faculty scholarship, service, and development in teaching and learning methodologies.

• Oversee faculty workload assignments and ensure alignment with USG and ABAC policies.

Students

• Collaborate on student recruitment, retention, and enrollment management strategies.

• Provide academic advisement and actively engage with students in course planning and registration.

• Establish and monitor realistic enrollment goals for Nursing and Biology programs.

Budget & Operations

• Manage school budgets, including technology, travel, and operational expenses.

• Ensure cost-effective resource allocation and quality instruction across all programs.

• Coordinate course schedules and instructional calendars in collaboration with other deans.

Accreditation & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and specialty accreditation standards (e.g., Georgia Board of Nursing, ACEN, SACSCOC).

• Lead efforts to maintain continuous compliance with state licensing and accreditation agencies.

• Monitor online course delivery and ensure adherence to ABAC¿s online teaching standards.

External Engagement

• Cultivate donor relations and participate in fundraising initiatives.

• Pursue grants and external funding opportunities to support program growth.

• Engage with local healthcare facilities and community stakeholders to strengthen partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Terminal degree in appropriate discipline or equivalent is required.

• A minimum of five years of progressive management or supervisory experience in a higher education environment.

• Demonstrated commitment to the access, applied mission.

• Demonstrated track record of leadership and supervision in a higher education environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated comfort with change, innovation, and technology.

• Experience in Enrollment Management and Student Recruitment.

• Experience in assessment and accreditation processes.

• Experience in teaching online and developing online courses.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Finalists are subject to a criminal background check.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest not to exceed four pages, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and five professional references at: