"Chair of Rehabilitation Sciences and Program Director of BSHS Pre-Clinical Studies (Tenured F927)"

Posting Details

Job Title

Chair of Rehabilitation Sciences and Program Director of BSHS Pre-Clinical Studies (Tenured F927)

Department

SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY & ATHLETIC TRAINING

Position Number

F1148A

Job Description

The Ellmer College of Health Sciences invites applications for a dynamic, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as Chair of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a comprehensive and growing department with strong professional programs, dedicated faculty, and meaningful community partnerships. The Chair of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health and rehabilitation education and respond to evolving workforce needs and emerging trends in rehabilitation and health sciences while contributing to the broader mission and impact of the university.

The Chair of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences provides academic, strategic, and administrative leadership for a comprehensive department that includes programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Recreational Therapy, and Preclinical Studies. In addition to serving as school chair, the successful candidate will serve as Program Director for the newly launched Pre-Clinical Studies major in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree Program, providing leadership for curriculum development, assessment, program growth and student success initiatives. The Chair fosters excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and clinical mentorship by cultivating a collegial, inclusive, and high-performing departmental culture that supports faculty, staff, and students in achieving professional and academic goals.

Reporting to the Dean of the Ellmer College of Health Sciences, the Chair is responsible for strategic leadership, faculty development, fiscal stewardship, accreditation oversight, and meaningful engagement with internal and external stakeholders. The Chair oversees curriculum, assessment, and continuous quality improvement across undergraduate and graduate programs, ensures compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards, and supports ongoing accreditation processes. The role also includes managing school resources, expanding funding support for scholarship and training, and strengthening partnerships with clinical agencies, community organizations, alumni, and advisory boards to enhance student learning, research impact, and community engagement.

Position Type

FullTime

Type of Recruitment

General Public

Minimum required education and/or special licenses, registrations, trainings, or certifications

Earned doctorate (PhD, EdD, ScD, or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and eligibility for appointment as a tenured Associate Professor

Minimum required level and type of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities

1. Demonstrated record of scholarly productivity appropriate for a tenured faculty appointment.
2. Documented academic or research leadership experience (e.g., Program Director, Department Chair, Associate Chair, Research Lab or Center Director).
3. Experience with academic administration, including curriculum oversight, assessment, and accreditation or continuous quality improvement processes.
4. Demonstrated ability to provide collaborative, strategic leadership, including faculty mentorship, resource management, and engagement with institutional and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of external grant funding and/or leadership of multidisciplinary or collaborative research programs.
• Experience with innovative, evidence-informed, and/or technology-enhanced teaching and learning approaches across undergraduate or graduate education.
• Demonstrated commitment to person-centered, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices in teaching, research, leadership, and clinical engagement.
• Record of interprofessional collaboration and/or meaningful community-engaged partnerships that enhance education, research, or practice.
• Experience contributing to program growth, innovation, or strategic initiatives within academic or health professions settings.

Conditions of Employment

All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.

Location

Norfolk, VA

Job Open Date

01/09/2026

Application Review Date

02/09/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Application Instructions

Interested candidates must apply at https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/25057 and attach the following with their online application:

1. Letter of application highlighting qualifications for the position and leadership philosophy
2. Current CV
3. A statement of scholarly interests and accomplishments
4. A statement of teaching philosophy and approaches
5. Unofficial graduate transcripts
6. Contact information for three professional references

Applications should be submitted by February 09, 2026, for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Telework Friendly

No