Description
Dean, School of Health Sciences
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
“Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve.” -Winston-Salem State University Motto
THE SEARCH
Winston-Salem State University (“WSSU” or the “University”) seeks a dynamic, collaborative health science leader to serve as its next Dean of the School of Health Sciences (“SHS” or “the School”). Founded in 1892, WSSU is a public historically Black college and university and a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System. WSSU is guided by its motto, “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve” and focused on advancing equity, upward mobility, and empowering individuals to transform the world. Recognized as North Carolina’s only Carnegie Opportunity College, the University enrolls approximately 5,000 students, including 4,300 undergraduate and approximately 700 graduate students. WSSU maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 16:1 and serves a predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible student population—reflecting the University’s longstanding commitment to access, affordability, and social and economic mobility. The University’s academic offerings are organized across major academic units that include the School of Health Sciences, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, and the College of Business & Entrepreneurship. WSSU pairs a legacy of teaching excellence with an emphasis on student success, applied research, and community impact. This work is in part fueled by two transformational gifts from MacKenzie Scott--the first a $30 million gift in 2020 and the second a $50 million gift in 2025.
The next Dean of the School of Health Sciences will advance the School’s impact through the preparation of workforceready graduates and leadership of communityfocused health equity initiatives. SHS encompasses a broad portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers across the health professions, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, healthcare management, rehabilitation counseling, exercise physiology, medical laboratory sciences, social work, and therapeutic recreation; the School is also launching new programs in public health. Through rigorous academic preparation, clinical and experiential learning, applied research, and strong partnerships with healthcare systems and community organizations, SHS addresses critical workforce needs and contributes directly to improving health outcomes in the region and beyond.
This is a pivotal moment for the School of Health Sciences. The next Dean will have the opportunity to articulate and advance a compelling vision for the School’s future—one that aligns with WSSU’s strategic plan and responds to the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare education, research, and practice. In recognition of the School’s place within WSSU and the breadth of its activities, the School will be transitioning into a College in the near term. The new college will play a key role in the institution’s goals, specifically around research growth, the development of new interdisciplinary research doctoral programs that leverage the health sciences across the academic enterprise and furthering its impact on its community and state.
Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the School of Health Sciences. The Dean provides leadership for academic quality, faculty development, student success, accreditation, budgeting and resource stewardship, enrollment strategy, and external engagement. As a member of the University’s senior academic leadership team, the Dean will work closely with fellow deans and campus partners to advance institution-wide initiatives, foster a culture of shared governance, and elevate WSSU’s profile as a leading public university committed to health equity, workforce development, and community impact. The Dean will strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, support innovation in teaching and learning, expand research and grant activity, and deepen partnerships with healthcare providers, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders.
Winston-Salem State University has engaged the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search. Applications, including a cover letter and CV, should be submitted via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/winston-salem-state-university-school-health-sciences/dean
Amy Segal, Partner
Miguel Santiago, Senior Associate
Olivia McVicker, Managing Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller
All aspects of faculty employment at Winston-Salem State University, including hiring and discontinuation of employment, reappointment, and promotion and tenure, are governed by regulations consistent with Chapter VI of The Code of the University of North Carolina. This chapter provides guidelines and other information related to the employment of permanent and part-time faculty members.
Isaacson, Miller, and Winston-Salem State University are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If you have any accommodation or access needs, we are happy to provide reasonable accommodation.
