Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Entrepreneurship (CHHS)

The Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Entrepreneurship within the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) is a 12-month faculty position. The anticipated start date of employment is August 1, 2026.

The main priorities are as follows: Grow student enrollment in academic programs within the college. Work with advising team, marketing, and academic units to identify recruiting opportunities to promote the college—high schools, community colleges, community organizations, etc. Retain and graduate students through planned retention programs. Identify emerging trends in health and human sciences education and workforce needs to inform program growth. Develop new partnerships with healthcare organizations to expand offerings within the Healthcare Creer Academy and the Culinary Medicine program. Assist dean with tasks specific to, but not limited to, the following: budget, course offerings, new program development, enrollment management, strategic planning, and related items. Provide service to the college, university, and profession. 

The College of Health and Human Sciences (https://www.memphis.edu/healthsciences/) offers the B.S. degree in Health Studies with concentrations in Health Sciences; Dietetics; Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences; and Healthcare Leadership; the B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management; the B.A degree in Hospitality and Resort Management (through the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management); and the B.S.Ed. degree in Physical Education Teacher Education. The college also offers the M.S. degree in Health Studies with concentrations in Exercise Nutrition; Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences; Lifestyle Medicine; and Physical Education Teacher Education. A second M.S. degree is offered in Sport Commerce, with a third M.S. degree offered in Nutrition with concentrations in Integrated Nutrition; Environmental Nutrition; and Nutrition Science. The college also offers PhD programs in Applied Biomechanics and Applied Physiology and Nutrition, as well as the Doctor of Physical Therapy. There are approximately 1900 undergraduate and graduate majors within CHHS. The University of Memphis is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research 1 Institution, one of only three in the state of TN. It has a diverse population of approximately 20,000 students including approximately 4,000 graduate students. 

An earned doctorate degree in a field of study represented within the CHHS, or a closely aligned area, is required. A minimum of ten years of full-time higher education experience is required. Experience in academic administration is desired. Evidence of scholarly productivity, excellence in teaching, and commitment to university service is required. Exceptional skills in the following areas are desired: written and verbal communication, critical and innovative thinking, opportunity identification, networking, cross-functional collaboration, adaptability, resourcefulness, attention to detail, organization, time management, follow through, rapid response, and sound judgment.   

Applicants are required to upload (1) a cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the position, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) academic transcript and (4) three professional references (name and contact information) from colleagues who can address the applicant’s professional preparation for this position.