Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies

About the role

Viterbo University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies in the College of Nursing and Health (CNH).

The Founding Director will play a central role in shaping the physician associate graduate program, providing strategic leadership across curriculum design, accreditation, faculty recruitment and development, and program operations.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission, philosophy, values, and goals of Viterbo University and the CNH
• Implement the policies of the University and the CNH
• Participates in program assessment evaluation processes
• Participates in student advising activities as assigned
• Demonstrate collaborative relationships with internal and external communities of interest
• Assists with the recruitment, applicant selection and retention of qualified students
• Provide visionary leadership and effective administration of the PA program in alignment with institutional mission and accreditation requirements
• Establish strategic goals and lead continuous quality improvement activities across all areas of the program
• Manage program operations, including scheduling, faculty assignments, committee processes, and governance
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with college leadership
• Oversee program fiscal management, resource planning, and budget development
• Lead the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of a coherent, compliant curriculum that meets ARC-PA standards and prepares students for PANCE success
• Ensure curriculum alignment with program competencies, professional standards, and learning outcomes
• Collaborate with faculty and committees on curriculum changes, assessment strategies, and instructional effectiveness
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate program faculty and staff, including principal and instructional faculty
• Monitor student progress, retention, and outcomes; implement strategies to support student achievement
• Facilitate effective teaching/learning activities in the didactic, simulation, and/or clinical settings
• Prepare and update content and syllabi for assigned courses according to CNH curricular plans and program student learning outcomes
• Demonstrate expertise in developing, conducting, and evaluating essential learning experiences within the didactic, simulation, and/or clinical settings
• Conduct course assessment activities to evaluate effectiveness and enhance student learning
• Shares talents as a resource person/mentor to colleagues and/or students
• Participate in professional, CNH, and university activities
• Participate in ongoing quality improvement/accreditation activities
• Participate in local, state, and national professional organizations
• Engage in life-long learning
• Carry out other responsibilities as delegated or assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Physician Assistant/Associate Degree from a program accredited by ARC-PA, (Master's required; Doctorate preferred)
• Hold and maintain current or emeritus credential from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment
• Excellent written and/or oral communication skills
• Excellent management/supervisory skills
• Willingness and ability to participate actively in a plan of professional development to enhance and maintain currency in relevant skills and knowledge

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in academic administration including curriculum planning, faculty oversight and program evaluation
• Knowledge of PA education, accreditation requirements including PA self-studies, accreditation reports, and site visit planning
• Experience with program budgeting and resource allocation
• Will hold a record of scholarship, teaching excellence, and professional service
• Microsoft Office proficiency

About Viterbo University

Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan liberal arts institution founded in 1890 and sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Serving approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students, Viterbo is nationally recognized for its commitment to servant leadership, ethical practice, and purpose-driven professional preparation, with particular strength and earned distinction in nursing, education, business, and the health sciences.

About the College of Nursing and Health

The College of Nursing and Health (CNH) at Viterbo is a cornerstone of the institution, with a strong reputation for academic excellence, high licensure pass rates, and deep partnerships across regional and national healthcare systems. The forthcoming Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies represents a significant institutional investment in expanding Viterbo's health professions portfolio and addressing critical workforce needs. The founding director will have the rare opportunity to shape program vision, curriculum, accreditation strategy, faculty culture, and clinical partnerships front inception within a mission-driven and strategically focused university.

About the Community

La Crosse, Wisconsin, has been rated as one of the top places to live in the United States. Nestled along the Mississippi River and surrounded by scenic bluffs and coulees, La Crosse offers an exceptional quality of life with an attractive cost of living, strong public and private school systems, and a vibrant arts and dining scene. The region features three major rivers, including the Mississippi, and provides abundant opportunities for four-season outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking to boating and winter sports. A charming and active downtown, along with community traditions such as Oktoberfest USA, contribute to the city's welcoming and connected feel.

Application and Nomination Process

All correspondence relating to the position of Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies at Viterbo University should be directed in confidence to the University's executive search consultant:

Jamie Marcus, Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
jamiemarcus@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
• Updated CV;
• Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by May 18, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.