"MEPN Program Director/Assistant Professor - 261081"

Position Summary:

The School of Nursing (SON) invites applications for the position of Masters Entry Prelicensure Nursing (MEPN) Program Director/Assistant Professor. This is a 12-month tenure track position.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. The anticipated begin work date is January 2026 and this position is located on-site in Cullowhee, NC.

The Program Director will provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership to ensure high-quality, workforce-aligned, and culturally responsive education for students entering the profession at the masters level. The Program Director oversees curriculum development, faculty coordination, accreditation compliance, student support, and interprofessional partnerships that strengthen advanced generalist nursing education in Western North Carolina and beyond.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation in alignment with AACN Essentials and NC Board of Nursing regulations.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure the delivery of student-centered, inclusive instruction that prepares graduates for RN licensure and advanced generalist practice.
• Coordinate accreditation, regulatory reporting, and data collection efforts for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee student recruitment, progression, retention, and graduation initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Student Services and Admissions.
• Provide mentorship and support to MEPN faculty, ensuring academic excellence and professional development.
• Engage with clinical partners to secure and sustain high-quality clinical placements.
• Teach in the MEPN program and maintain an active portfolio of scholarship and/or service aligned with institutional expectations.
• Participate in School of Nursing and university-level committees and strategic planning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Nursing required (MSN, DNP, or PhD); doctoral degree preferred for tenure-track lines.
• Unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or eligibility to obtain.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in nursing education, including leadership or coordination roles.
• Demonstrated understanding of curriculum development, program evaluation, and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered care across varied populations, and contributing to a well-rounded, skilled healthcare workforce.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in graduate nursing education and teaching advanced generalist content.
• Evidence of effective leadership in new program development or growth.
• Experience with simulation, innovative pedagogy, or distance-accessible learning models.

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for consideration.

Please attach the following: A letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a list of three (3) references with contact information, and copies of transcripts from the highest degree earned.

For questions or additional information, please contact Terri Durbin, Director of the School of Nursing, at tdurbin@email.wcu.edu