Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies

Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies

Viterbo University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies in the College of Nursing and Health (CNH). Viterbo University seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve in this full-time, 12-month academic administration position with faculty appointment. This is a unique opportunity to lead the development and launch of a new physician associate program at a mission-driven institution with a strong foundation in the health sciences and a commitment to academic excellence and community impact.

The Founding Director will play a central role in shaping the physician associate graduate program, providing strategic leadership across curriculum design, accreditation, faculty recruitment and development, and program operations. With 50% of effort dedicated to administrative responsibilities, the director will serve as the accreditation liaison and institutional representative to the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), while cultivating clinical partnerships locally and nationally. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health, this role offers the opportunity to build a program from inception with strong institutional support and a clear vision for growth.

View the complete Position Prospectus here.

Responsibilities:

General

• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission, philosophy, values, and goals of Viterbo University and the CNH
• Implement the policies of the University and the CNH
• Participates in program assessment evaluation processes
• Participates in student advising activities as assigned
• Demonstrate collaborative relationships with internal and external communities of interest
• Assists with the recruitment, applicant selection and retention of qualified students
• Provide visionary leadership and effective administration of the PA program in alignment with institutional mission and accreditation requirements
• Establish strategic goals and lead continuous quality improvement activities across all areas of the program
• Manage program operations, including scheduling, faculty assignments, committee processes, and governance
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with college leadership
• Oversee program fiscal management, resource planning, and budget development
• Lead the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of a coherent, compliant curriculum that meets ARC-PA standards and prepares students for PANCE success
• Ensure curriculum alignment with program competencies, professional standards, and learning outcomes
• Collaborate with faculty and committees on curriculum changes, assessment strategies, and instructional effectiveness
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate program faculty and staff, including principal and instructional faculty
• Monitor student progress, retention, and outcomes; implement strategies to support student achievement

Teaching

• Facilitates effective teaching/learning activities in the didactic, simulation, and/or clinical settings
• Prepares and updates content and syllabi for assigned courses according to CNH curricular plans and program student learning outcomes
• Demonstrates expertise in developing, conducting, and evaluating essential learning experiences within the didactic, simulation, and/or clinical settings
• Conducts course assessment activities to evaluate effectiveness and enhance student learning

Service

• Shares talents as a resource person/mentor to colleagues and/or students
• Participate in professional, CNH, and university activities
• Participates in ongoing quality improvement/accreditation activities
• Participate in local, state, and national professional organizations

Scholarly Work

• Participate in professional/scholarly activities to maintain certification and practice, as applicable
• Engages in life-long learning
• Carries out other responsibilities as delegated or assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Physician Assistant/Associate Degree from a program accredited by ARC-PA, (Master's required; Doctorate preferred)
• Hold and maintain current or emeritus credential from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment
• Excellent written and/or oral communication skills
• Excellent management/supervisory skills
• Willingness and ability to participate actively in a plan of professional development to enhance and maintain currency in relevant skills and knowledge

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership in academic administration including curriculum planning, faculty oversight and program evaluation
• Knowledge of PA education, accreditation requirements including PA self-studies, accreditation reports, and site visit planning
• Experience with program budgeting and resource allocation
• Will hold a record of scholarship, teaching excellence, and professional service
• Microsoft Office proficiency

About Viterbo University:

Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan liberal arts institution founded in 1890 and sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Serving approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students, Viterbo is nationally recognized for its commitment to servant leadership, ethical practice, and purpose-driven professional preparation, with particular strength and earned distinction in nursing, education, business, and the health sciences.

Viterbo combines the personal engagement of a close-knit academic community with the forward momentum of a university committed to thoughtful growth and innovation. Senior leadership is highly engaged in program development and accreditation success, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Rooted in Franciscan values and Catholic social teaching, Viterbo is dedicated to holistic formation that supports intellectual, spiritual, and social growth. Students are encouraged to live with integrity, engage meaningfully with their communities, and lead lives of purpose. This commitment extends to an inclusive campus culture grounded in hospitality and respect, where all are welcomed, supported, and empowered to make a lasting impact.

About the College of Nursing and Health:

The College of Nursing and Health (CNH) at Viterbo is a cornerstone of the institution, with a strong reputation for academic excellence, high licensure pass rates, and deep partnerships across regional and national healthcare systems. The forthcoming Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies represents a significant institutional investment in expanding Viterbo's health professions portfolio and addressing critical workforce needs. The founding director will have the rare opportunity to shape program vision, curriculum, accreditation strategy, faculty culture, and clinical partnerships front inception within a mission-driven and strategically focused university.

About the Community:

La Crosse, Wisconsin, has been rated as one of the top places to live in the United States. Nestled along the Mississippi River and surrounded by scenic bluffs and coulees, La Crosse offers an exceptional quality of life with an attractive cost of living, strong public and private school systems, and a vibrant arts and dining scene. The region features three major rivers, including the Mississippi, and provides abundant opportunities for four-season outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking to boating and winter sports. A charming and active downtown, along with community traditions such as Oktoberfest USA, contribute to the city's welcoming and connected feel.

La Crosse also serves as a regional healthcare hub, anchored by systems such as Mayo Clinic Health System and Gundersen Health System, creating strong opportunities for clinical partnerships and interprofessional collaboration. The city offers convenient access to major metropolitan areas in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, including Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, while maintaining the safety, accessibility, and community feel of a dynamic Midwestern city.