Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Location: 2001 William Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
A Mission-Focused Learning Community
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences, in collaboration with Mercy Health, is dedicated to being a Mission-Focused Learning Community that integrates compassion, excellence, and service in the preparation of future healthcare professionals. Rooted in the healing ministry and values of the Sisters of Mercy, the College fosters an environment where academic rigor meets the call to serve others with dignity and respect - providing a culture having a sense of belonging .…
Students are empowered to grow intellectually, spiritually, and professionally through a curriculum that emphasizes ethical practice, lifelong learning, and a deep sense of responsibility to improve the health of individuals and communities.
As a Mission-Focused learning community, the College and Mercy Health work collaboratively to cultivate a culture of faith, integrity, and excellence that extends beyond the classroom and clinical settings. Through mentoring, community engagement, and interprofessional collaboration, learners and faculty alike are inspired to live out the values of compassion, service, and respect for the human spirit. Together, we strive to educate healthcare professionals who are not only skilled clinicians but also compassionate caregivers who advance the mission of Mercy through every act of service, education, and healing.
Role of the President
The President is the College's chief executive officer and serves as the public face, strategic leader, and operational steward of the institution. Key responsibilities include the following.
- Strategic leadership & vision: develop and implement a multi-year strategic plan aligned to regional workforce needs, healthcare partner priorities, and accreditation expectations.
- Academic leadership & quality: ensure high academic standards, student learning outcomes, program accreditation compliance, and continuous improvement across nursing and allied health programs.
- External relations & partnerships: strengthen relationships with SoutheastHealth/Southeast Hospital, clinical partners, local employers, K-12 and transfer institutions, community leaders, and funders.
- Enrollment & student success: lead recruitment, retention, retention-to-completion and licensure pass-rate initiatives to sustain healthy enrollment and graduate outcomes.
- Fiscal & operational management: oversee the college budget, financial sustainability, facilities, human resources, and information systems.
- Fundraising & resource development: cultivate philanthropic support, grants, and partnerships to expand programs, scholarships, and capital needs.
- Compliance & governance: work with the Board of Trustees or sponsor organization (hospital/system leadership) to ensure sound governance, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance.
The President reports to the College's governing Board and works collaboratively with Mercy Health leadership, Hospital leadership, academic leaders, clinical partners, faculty, staff, and students.
Qualifications
A competitive candidate will demonstrate a combination of higher-education leadership, health-care experience, and operational expertise:
Education & credentials
- Advanced degree required (master's; terminal degree preferred-EdD/PhD, DNP, or relevant professional doctorate preferred).
- Evidence of continuing professional development and understanding of accreditation processes (HLC, ACEN or other programmatic accreditors).
Leadership & experience
- Minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible leadership in higher education, hospital-based education, or healthcare administration; experience leading allied health or nursing education programs strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, enrollment management, fiscal oversight, and outcomes improvement.
- Track record of building and sustaining clinical partnerships with hospitals and health systems.
- Experience in hospital based colleges/universities preferred.
- Experience with multi-site systems preferred.
Academic & regulatory expertise
- Familiarity with licensure/certification requirements for nursing and allied health programs and experience maintaining programmatic accreditation.
External relations & fundraising
- Strong network with regional healthcare employers and proven ability to raise funds, secure grants, and cultivate community and donor relationships.
Personal qualities
- Collaborative, mission-driven leader who values student success, equity, and workforce development.
- Excellent communicator, change-oriented, decisive, and fiscally savvy.
APPLICATION PROCESS
An application for the position will include:
- Cover letter that addresses the Key Qualities, Experiences, and Characteristics matching the above.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- List of five professional references with full contact information and related to the expectations and opportunities above.
Applications for the position can be submitted at this link, Careers
Contact Information for this Job Posting is:
Katie Horton
Manager -Talent Acquisition
Mercy
E-Mail: Katie.Horton@Mercy.Net
Phone: 314-364-4112
Mercy's Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences is an equal opportunity institution.