"Founding Dean, School of Nursing"

The University of Georgia (UGA), the flagship public, land-grant and sea-grant university of the state of Georgia, invites nominations and applications for the founding Dean of the School of Nursing. The Dean will be a visionary, driven leader, charged with establishing the new School, including the development of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs. The Dean will serve as the School's chief academic and administrative officer, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

In May 2025, the University System of Georgia's Board of Regents approved the establishment of an independent School of Nursing at the University of Georgia, with its first group of students expected in fall 2027. The UGA School of Nursing will advance UGA's commitment to addressing the health care needs of all Georgians, provide educational opportunities sought by our students for many years, and develop a community of scholars equipped to prepare the next generation of nurses. Georgia faces a shortage of nurses to serve its growing population, and the region also needs more nursing faculty. To address those needs, the Board of Regents has recommended the School begin with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, adding a Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Ph.D. nursing programs in the future.

The University of Georgia is one of the leading public research universities in the nation and the world. Founded in 1785 as the first public university in the country, UGA's faculty excel in fundamental and applied research, scholarship, and creative activities, innovation, and technology transfer; deliver outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and professional education; and support communities in Georgia and around the globe through public service and engagement. UGA enrollment exceeds 43,000 students, including more than 10,000 graduate and professional students, employs more than 3,900 total faculty, and has an annual budget of over $2 billion. The University continues to admit exceptionally strong students and approximately 25% of incoming students indicate an interest in pre-health or pre-medicine fields. Total annual research expenditures at the University continue to grow, exceeding $600 million for the first time in fiscal year 2024.

A detailed leadership profile is available at wittkieffer.com.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a letter of interest and a CV or resume. WittKieffer is assisting the University of Georgia in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by Oct. 12, 2025. Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Ryan Crawford, Diane Smith, and Randi Miller at UGA-NursingDean@wittkieffer.com.