Founding Program Director: Master of Science in Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies Program

Building on the momentum of Drury's successful Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, the MS-AA program will be the newest addition to the growing portfolio of graduate healthcare programs within the School of Health Sciences. The successful candidate will 1) be an experienced leader who will oversee the proposed MS-AA program's development, including fiscal planning, curriculum development, and hiring of principal faculty and support staff; 2) coordinate the preparation of all protocols, standards, and documents required for initial ARC-AA accreditation; and 3) grow and lead the new MS-AA program to meet Drury's purpose of transforming student lives through personalized education. Drury University: Drury University, a liberal arts institution located in Springfield, Missouri, is known for its student-centered approach to undergraduate and graduate education. The university's rigorous academic environment, intentional professional development experiences, and many extra-curricular and co-curricular opportunities produce students who are prepared to be the next generation of leaders in their chosen careers. Drury's dedicated and conscientious mentoring of students fosters adaptability, versatility and a range of core competencies. Drury is regularly recognized for its high-quality programs, as the private university of choice in the Midwest for ambitious students seeking a liberal arts education integrated with professional programs. The University has been a catalyst for progressive changes in the region since its inception in 1873 and continues to be a leader in transformative educational experiences. Drury's School of Health Sciences launched its first graduate healthcare program, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, which welcomed its inaugural cohort in 2023 and has since achieved Accreditation-Provisional status from the ARC-PA. In 2025, the Master of Healthcare Administration welcomed its first students into a program supported academically and financially by local healthcare systems. Building on that success, Drury is now expanding the School of Health Sciences with the addition of the MS-AA program, further positioning the University to equip graduates for meaningful lives of work and service for generations to come. Springfield, MO: Springfield is the third-largest city in the state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. With more than 500,000 people in the metro area and millions of tourists each year, Springfield is rich with interesting and entertaining attractions, and a variety of dining, shopping, recreation, and cultural activities. Springfield has a plentiful and growing job market, great schools, excellent health care, distinctive entertainment, and a wonderful culture overflowing with abundant character and friendliness. All at the same time, you can fast-track your career, afford the home you've always wanted, simplify your commute, and enrich your life amid the natural Ozarks beauty. Among Springfield's finest assets are its beautiful scenery and clean environment, something community leaders are striving to maintain through a variety of programs and sustainable building projects. Qualifications: Master's level degree from an ARC-AA accredited Anesthesiologist Assistant program. Current certification as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) through the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) and eligible for licensure in the state of Missouri. Minimum of three years of experience in clinical practice as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant. Minimum of three years of experience in Anesthesiologist Assistant education, or a comparable graduate medical/health sciences education setting. Experience in an academic leadership role. Experience with the ARC-AA accreditation process. Job Duties and Responsibilities: Communicate and advance the mission, vision, and goals of the program. Provide effective leadership, administration, and oversight of all aspects of the program. Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate program faculty and support staff. Design, implement, coordinate, assess, and continuously improve the curriculum. Ensure the effective organization, delivery, and evaluation of didactic and clinical education. Ensure alignment between classroom instruction and the educational demands of the clinical learning environment. Provide educational and medical oversight for all components of the program and maintain coordination among participating clinical and educational sites. Oversee student recruitment, orientation, academic progress, and professional development. Manage program resources, including budgeting, facilities, equipment, and related operational needs. Develop and maintain partnerships with healthcare organizations to support and expand clinical education opportunities. Teach in areas of expertise as appropriate. Represent and advocate for the program within the university, healthcare community, and professional organizations. Application and Nomination Process: All correspondence relating to the Founding Program Director position at Drury University should be directed in confidence to: Justin Dickenson, Director of Academic Affairs Support Services Office of Academic Affairs jdickenson@drury.edu The full and complete application should contain the following information: A cover letter highlighting your professional experience. A complete CV outlining your career in higher education and within health-related areas. The names of five professional references including their relationship to you, their position, email, and direct phone numbers. References will be contacted only after written permission. Applications submitted by January 29, 2027 will receive priority consideration. This search will remain open until the position is filled.