Dean School of Health Professions

October 20, 2026

Samford University seeks an experienced, mission-driven leader to serve as its next Dean of the School of Health Professions (SHP). This school prepares health professionals through rigorous academic preparation, meaningful clinical experiences, and Christ-centered professional formation. With nationally respected programs and strong connections to healthcare providers throughout the region, the SHP contributes significantly to Samford's reputation for excellence in healthcare education.

The next Dean will join a university experiencing significant momentum in enrollment, philanthropy, and academic distinction. The Dean will have the opportunity to strengthen existing programs, support faculty excellence, expand strategic partnerships, advance innovation in health professions education, and prepare graduates to lead with competence, compassion, and Christian conviction in an evolving healthcare environment.

This is a distinctive opportunity to lead one of Samford University's flagship schools within the College of Health Sciences and to shape the future of health professions education at one of the nation's leading Christ-centered universities.

The Dean of the School of Health Professions serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Health Professions and reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean provides vision and leadership for all academic programs within the school, faculty recruitment and development, student success, accreditation, budget oversight, and external engagement. The Dean will guide a school distinguished by excellence in health professions education, interprofessional collaboration, and fulfilling Samford’s Christ-centered mission through the integration of Christian faith and learning.

As a member of the Deans Council, the Dean collaborates closely with colleagues across the university and health sciences disciplines. The Dean will be a visible presence within the Samford community, a trusted advocate for faculty, staff, and students, and a strategic leader who advances the School of Health Profession's reputation, impact, and growth. Above all, the Dean will embody Samford University's Christ-centered mission while fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, scholarship, clinical practice, and service.

The ideal candidate will:

• Exemplify Christian faith and integrity, demonstrating the ability to advance Samford's Christ-centered mission through the work of the SHP.
• Demonstrate a relational, servant-leadership style that fosters trust, collaboration, and a culture of excellence among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and clinical partners.
• Hold an earned terminal degree in a discipline represented within the School of Health Professions, with credentials meriting appointment at the rank of professor.
• Bring significant academic leadership experience, preferably as a department chair, associate dean, dean, or equivalent administrator in higher education.
• Possess a distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, clinical practice and/or professional service.
• Demonstrate skills in faculty recruitment, mentoring, retention, promotion, and professional development.
• Have experience with accreditation processes and continuous quality improvement in health professions education.
• Foster innovation in curriculum development, experiential learning, and interprofessional education.
• Demonstrate strong external engagement skills, including partnership development with healthcare organizations, clinical agencies, community stakeholders, and professional associations.
• Possess a record of successful…