Principal Faculty Member Department of Physician Assistant Studies - Charlotte

Principal Faculty

Location: Off-Campus

Elon University
, renowned as a model for engaged learning, invites applications and nominations for a Principal Faculty position in the new Elon Charlotte Physician Assistant Studies Program. This position will join the Founding Chair/Program Director, Medical Director, Program Assistant and the two inaugural principal faculty in the developing Physician Assistant (PA) program based in Charlotte.

Elon University is seeking a full-time principal faculty member to join the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at our Charlotte campus. This individual will play a vital role in preparing for program accreditation, refining and implementing the established curriculum, and developing essential student and community resources for our inaugural class. The successful candidate will also engage in building and sustaining community partnerships that support both student learning and the broader mission of the program.

In addition to these responsibilities, the faculty member will teach across the didactic and clinical phases of the curriculum and continue to support accreditation, curricular, and partnership processes once the program launches. The curriculum is planned as a 24-month program, including a 12-month didactic phase followed by a 12-month clinical phase. The program is seeking independent accreditation, separate from the existing PA program  initial provisional accreditation process with the Accreditation Review Commission for the Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is underway, with the goal of launching the inaugural class in January 2027.

Principal program faculty report directly to the Founding Chair/Program Director. This position is tenure-track eligible. The compensation offered will be commensurate with qualifications and include an excellent benefits package and generous retirement plan.

• Assist in the development of the program and contribute to accreditation by ARC-PA.
• Direct academic courses
  • Coordinate the sequencing and delivery of content within assigned courses in the didactic and clinical year.
  • Coordinate the implementation of student evaluation within these courses.
• Serve as lecturer, lab instructor, small group facilitator, and evaluator in assigned didactic and clinical phase courses; lecture in other courses according to subject matter expertise.
• Demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching while proactively addressing the evolving needs of the program and its students.
• Establish and foster relationships with clinical partners and preceptors to support student training.
• Participate in recruitment activities and represent the program at community events.
• Assist with other departmental responsibilities such as proctoring exams, grading OSCEs, interviewing admissions candidates, and other tasks.
• Serve as Scholarly Project advisor.
• Advise and provide academic counseling for students in both the academic and clinical phases.
• Serve on departmental, School of Health Sciences, and University committees as elected or appointed.
• Maintain a record of ongoing scholarly activity and faculty development.
• Engage in admissions activities.
• Assist with program self-assessment and improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.

• Terminal degree in physician assistant studies or equivalent professional/educational experience in a healthcare discipline.
• Prior teaching experience in higher education or health professions education strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated clinical experience (minimum of three years strongly preferred).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, learning management systems (LMS), Exam Soft, Exxat, VH Dissector, and related educational technology.
• Proficiency with general office technology (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration, innovation, and supporting student success.

All correspondence relating to the principal faculty position at Elon University-Charlotte should be directed in confidence to Lavette Shirley: lshirley4

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position
• Updated CV
• Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers, entered as part of the application process. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by November 14, 2025 will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and will be rolling until filled. We strongly encourage candidates with experience engaging diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment to highlight these contributions in their cover letter. The anticipated start date is January 2026.

Elon University is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body and…