Associate or Full Professor, Program Director, and Head

Position Function

Mississippi State University seeks a founding leader to build an nationally distinctive, hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the new School of Health Professions. With a statewide mission to expand access to care—especially in rural and underserved communities—MSU is investing in an innovative program that blends high‑quality online learning, short in‑person lab immersions, and community‑based clinical education. The DPT program has been approved by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning as a hybrid program to meet the needs of learners while delivering a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum.

The Department Head & Program Director will recruit the inaugural faculty, shape a modern hybrid operating model, and launch an academically rigorous, student‑centered program that strengthens Mississippi’s rehabilitation workforce.

UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are “Unclassified” and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Physical Therapy

• Foster the development of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in alignment with CAPTE accreditation requirements.
• Create, facilitate, and implement a vision and strategic plan for the department and its programs/ventures in alignment with the college and university strategic plans.
• Set goals for the department and its programs/initiatives in collaboration with faculty and college/university leaders. Work to meet standards of excellence in physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences education/research and establish the department as an national leader.
• Oversee and manage the department’s finances and budget to achieve financial goals set collaboratively with the Dean of the School of Health Professions.
• Recruit, select, and retain faculty members that strengthen the department in alignment with the vision, values, and strategic goals of the organization.

• Earned academic doctorate (PhD or Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Rehab Sciences, or a related field).
• Licensed physical therapist, or eligible for licensure, in Mississippi.
• Minimum of six years of full‑time higher education experience, with a minimum of three years of full‑time experience as a core faculty member in a CAPTE‑accredited entry‑level physical therapy education program.
• Must qualify for the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure at Mississippi State University, and, as such, must be recognized nationally by a distinguished record of accomplishments in teaching, research, and service.
• Record of progressive administrative and leadership experience that supports the role of DPT program director and department head. This includes experience with CAPTE accreditation, curriculum development and implementation, budgeting and resource allocation, and personnel management.

• Special consideration will be given to candidates with previous university‑level experience and/or leadership in hybrid education models.
• Preference given to candidates who reside within, or are willing to relocate to, a reasonable commuting distance from Meridian, MS.
• Active American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) membership.

• Knowledge of higher education program development.

Office Environment

Link to apply: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

All applicants must apply online jobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current curriculum vitae or resume, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Lesley Clack, Dean, School of Health Professions, email lclacktate.edu or phone 601‑696‑2219.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national…