The Chairperson position may be in either tenure or non-tenure tracks, depending on qualifications. The position presents an opportunity for a dedicated and experienced occupational therapist educator to provide leadership, promote a prioritized agenda of scholarship and faculty development, contribute to growing interprofessional activities, and research within the applicant’s area of expertise.

The Department invites applications for a department chairperson who is a visionary.  The successful candidate will provide strong, dynamic, and innovative leadership to advance excellence in teaching, clinical practice, and research. Candidates should have a proven record of a commitment to professional and graduate education, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, a funded track record of research in applicant’s area of expertise, and effective management and interpersonal skills are required.

The Chairperson is responsible for all aspects of academic leadership and administration within the Division including setting strategic direction, providing mentorship and faculty development, budgeting and fiscal management, curriculum development, oversight and evaluation, and development of new initiatives.

The Chairperson must meet the following criteria for consideration:

• An entry-level professional degree from an ACOTE-accredited US program in occupational therapy.
• A research-based academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD or equivalent) in fields related to occupational therapy profession from an institution accredited by a regional body recognized by the US Department of Education.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the post-baccalaureate level.
• Minimum of 3 years of administrative experience.
• A scholarship record consistent with appointment at the Associate or full Professor rank at an R1: Doctoral University.
• Licensed (or eligible) in the state of West Virginia

In addition to the required qualifications listed above, candidates with the following qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Research record with a funded research program.
• Minimum of 3 years of active service in a national and/or international professional organization related to the profession of occupational therapy.

All qualifications must be met by the time of the appointment.

About West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) is seeking a highly-qualified leader to serve as the Chairperson for the Division of Occupational Therapy. The Division of Occupational Therapy was established in 1996 and is the only entry-level Occupational Therapy program in West Virginia. As such, the Division fills a critical need in developing the healthcare workforce in the state and achieving WVU’s mission to improve the health of West Virginians. The Division of Occupational Therapy is administratively housed within the School of Medicine’s Professional Programs unit, which is home to over 1,000 students enrolled in degree programs including exercise physiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medical laboratory science, immunology, pathologist’s assistant, physician assistant, and health information management. The Division of Occupational Therapy enrolls 120 students in its 3-year professional curriculum (40 students per cohort). The School of Medicine is part of a thriving academic medical center, which includes Schools of Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. Together, the five schools provide robust opportunities and programs for interprofessional education, collaborative practice and research.

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