Assistant Dean of Clinical Education

The University of Pikeville seeks an experienced, visionary leader to serve as its Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and Curriculum (ADCEC) in the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). The Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and Curriculum (ADCEC) is responsible for developing and refining the clinical educational experiences for students of the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). The ADCEC insures that KYCO clinics and all remote clinical sites are providing the appropriate educational experiences required of the students of KYCO. The Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and Curriculum advises the Deans on all improvements and enhancements of the clinical education at KYCO. The ADCEC ensures that clinical rubrics are maintained, updated, scheduled and completed appropriately for all clinical experiences. The ADCEC shall look for innovative ways to add to the student’s clinical experiences through adjustments to the curriculum or other opportunities. The ADECE will remain focused on ensuring that all KYCO clinics operate within the guidelines of all accrediting and funding agencies (University, Federal, State and Local). The ADCEC supervises the Director of Externship Program and is the responsible party for interactions between the College and all external clinical training sites.

Responsibilities: 

• Serve on the Administrative Team.


• Serve as an ex-officio member of the EPCC.


• Supervise the Director of Externship Programs.


• Supervise the Director of Residencies and oversee the accreditation of all KYCO-affiliated residencies.


• Consult with the Associate Dean for Clinics and Expanded Therapeutics in the development of new clinical programs.


• Development of the clinical education curriculum in collaboration with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Clinics & Expanded Therapeutics, and Director of Externship Programs.


• Keep the Administrative Team informed of legal issues, educational trends, and curriculum development throughout the year.


• Develop clinical education materials for all clinical faculty.


• Maintain a working knowledge of associated health professions, including Ophthalmology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Neurology.


• Develop clinical curriculum that maximizes the student experience while maintaining appropriate clinical faculty workloads.


• Initiate quality assurance concepts with quality assurance committees at training sites.


• Keep current with emerging trends in clinical education and curriculum development.


• Arrange and conduct regular meetings of clinical educators to ensure the best student experience.


• Meet regularly with the Dean to present clinical faculty ideas and concerns.


• Communicate executive, educational, and administrative goals, objectives, policies and procedures, and concerns to clinical faculty.


• Educate students on the importance of diverse clinical experience.


• Assist students in maintaining clinical curriculum requirements during absences, public health crises, or other unforeseen circumstances.


• Develop students personally and professionally throughout their clinical optometric education.


• Schedule student clinic rotations and coordinate make-up work and leaves with the Director of Externship Programs in accordance with KYCO and UPIKE policies.


• Approve curricular adjustments for students throughout their training.


• Arrange and conduct meetings with students at key points during their clinical education at KYCO.


• Review and revise clinical expectation for clinical faculty and students annually.

Requirements:

• Must have an O.D. and/or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a discipline related to optometry or its associated basic sciences.


• Optometrist applicants must be eligible for licensure in the state of Kentucky and are expected to participate in patient care services.


• Excellent organizational, communication, teaching and decision-making skills.


• Prior college teaching experience is strongly preferred.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts.  UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 06/06/2026 will be given priority consideration.

Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff.  The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students. 

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. Interested applicants should complete the online application by visiting http://jobs.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, copies of their transcripts, and the contact information for three to five professional references.