"Department Chair"

Job Details

Department Chair

Details

Department Chair, Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies

The College of Health at the University of Utah, a Carnegie classified doctoral university, invites applications and nominations for the position of chair of the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies. This position is eligible for appointment with tenure at the rank of full professor. The College seeks a visionary, progressive, and collaborative leader who will capitalize on a long history of successful academic accomplishments and implement a scalable, integrated vision into the future.

Responsibilities of the chair include:

1. Provide visionary leadership by setting and executing the department's strategic direction in alignment with the mission of the College of Health and the University of Utah.
2. Foster excellence in teaching, research, clinical practice, and mentorship while supporting faculty, staff, and students in achieving their professional goals.
3. Drive growth in the department's research enterprise and extramural funding portfolio, with a focus on significantly increasing research expenditures over the next five years.
4. Manage departmental resources effectively, including budget oversight, recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty and staff, and development of a leadership pipeline for future administrative roles.
5. Advance innovative program development and impactful scholarship, expanding interprofessional education and clinical opportunities both locally and globally.
6. Promote visibility and engagement by leading strategic marketing and communication efforts, strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, and enhancing connections with students, alumni, and partners.
7. Encourage collaboration across the University of Utah to enhance interdisciplinary practice, research, and educational initiatives.
8. Contribute to university, college, and community service consistent with the responsibilities of a senior academic leader.

Candidates must have a terminal degree with related research and teaching experience commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor and department chair. Applicants should also have strong evidence of academic administrative leadership and peer recognition as an accomplished scholar in Occupational Therapy, Recreational Therapy, or related field of study. The strongest candidates will have experience securing and managing externally funded, multi-person research programs and an established record of leadership.

Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies
As a part of the College of Health, the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies offers two degrees in Recreational Therapy, Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS), and two entry-level degrees in Occupational Therapy, Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). In addition, department faculty contribute to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Rehabilitation Sciences through the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, by teaching and mentoring doctoral students.

The BS degree in Recreational Therapy prepares students for National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) eligibility and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification—the minimum credential for Utah licensure as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS). The MS in Recreational Therapy includes (1) a pathway for students seeking initial CTRS certification and (2) an advanced pathway for certified practitioners to qualify for MTRS licensure. Our dual entry Occupational Therapy program gives students the option to pursue either an MOT or OTD as entry into the profession.

Our Mission
The Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies' mission is to discover and transmit knowledge through research, education and service relevant to occupational therapy and recreational therapy. Our research emphasizes the promotion of health and participation in valued life activities using an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for a diverse group of students to participate in a high quality, transformative educational experience. We prepare innovative OT and RT practitioners and scholars who provide evidence-based service. Our scholarly, educational, service and clinical activities meet unique needs of our communities.

College of Health
The University of Utah's College of Health is leading the transformation in health care from primarily caring for the sick to empowering people to be healthy, active, and resilient through proactive, preventive, and rehabilitative care. Through innovative research and by preparing the next generation of practitioners, the College is on a mission to add more years to our life and life to those years.

Please apply online: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/188999

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries or requests for information may be sent to:
K. Bo Foreman, PhD
Professor
Chair of Search Committee
bo.foreman@hsc.utah.edu

Please attach application documents:
CV
Cover Letter
Research Statement

Department: 00204 - Occupational/Recreational Therapy
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Track: Tenure Track
Open Until Filled: Yes
Requisition Number: PRN03905F

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/189141