Dean, School of Nursing

How to Apply

The University of Michigan has engaged the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (including a CV and cover letter) should be sent in confidence via this link: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-michigan-school-nursing/dean

Job Summary

The Dean of the UMSN serves as the School's chief academic and administrative officer and is a key member of the University's academic leadership. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Laurie McCauley, the Dean provides strategic vision and operational leadership across all aspects of the School's mission: education, research, clinical practice, and service. The Dean is a member of the University of Michigan Health Board and the Health Sciences Council of Deans, which consists of leaders from all health sciences schools and colleges on the Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn Campuses.

The Dean works closely with University leadership, faculty, staff, students, and external partners to advance UMSN's mission and priorities. The role holds broad authority over academic programs, faculty and staff development, budgetary planning, advancement, and external engagement. The Dean plays a central role in fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and excellence, and in positioning the School of Nursing as a national and global leader in academic nursing.

The Dean leads a collaborative and matrixed leadership team composed of associate deans responsible for research, global affairs, professional graduate studies, professional practice, undergraduate studies, and faculty affairs and development. The team also includes the chairs of the School's two academic departments--Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, and Systems, Populations and Leadership, as well as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer. Together, this group supports the Dean in advancing the School's academic, research, clinical, and operational priorities.

What You'll Do

Set a Bold Course for UMSN's Future

Like other leaders at the University of Michigan, this dean will be granted significant autonomy and will be empowered to drive strategic growth. In planning out this growth, the Dean will lead a collaborative strategic planning process that brings together faculty, staff, students, and partners to define a clear and ambitious path for UMSN. The Dean will skillfully unite the School's community around shared priorities and set goals that build on UMSN's longstanding excellence in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. With a foundation that includes top-ranked academic programs, a strong commitment to health equity, deep interdisciplinary connections across campus, and a global reach, the School is well-positioned to address the most pressing challenges in healthcare. The Dean must be a skilled and inspiring leader who can foster trust, engage diverse perspectives, and translate collective vision into a strategic roadmap that advances innovation, impact, and leadership in nursing.

Advance Research and Doctoral Education to Elevate Scientific Impact

The next Dean will grow the School's research enterprise and graduate programs. UMSN faculty lead high- impact, interdisciplinary research in areas such as symptom science, big data analytics, and health systems effectiveness, unified by a strong commitment to health equity and supported by initiatives like the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, and Health (DASH) and the Healthcare Innovation Impact Program (HiiP). As federal funding priorities shift, the Dean must strategically support faculty through resource alignment, development opportunities, and entrepreneurial pathways. Expanding the PhD program and building infrastructure for interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential to increasing research output and preparing future nurse scientists. With access to the resources of a top-tier R1 university and an exceptional faculty committed to excellence in research and graduate education, the Dean will be well-positioned to achieve these goals.

Foster Educational Innovation and Academic Excellence

The University of Michigan is known for innovation, and UMSN's strong academic programs reflect that spirit. The next Dean will have the opportunity to reimagine how students learn and how faculty teach, strengthening connections across undergraduate, graduate, and research domains. This includes accelerating innovation in curriculum design, instructional technology, and simulation-based learning, while embracing tools such as AI and immersive technologies. The Dean will support faculty creativity and experimentation, preparing students for a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. As enrollment grows and delivery models diversify, the Dean will ensure educational quality remains high, grounded in inclusive pedagogy and a commitment to equitable outcomes. UMSN also benefits from robust interprofessional education offerings through the Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education, and the Dean will play a key role in expanding these efforts.

Expand Partnerships Across Campus and Beyond

Strategic engagement with local, national, and global partners will also be essential to advance UMSN's reach and impact. Nursing is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to health equity, student well- being, and public trust. The next Dean has an opportunity to further elevate UMSN's visibility within the University and beyond by positioning nursing as a leader in interdisciplinary innovation, especially in areas like behavioral health, community engagement, and policy advocacy.

UMSN faculty are active in the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, a network of more than 700 health experts, and collaborate with the School's Pivot Hub to drive equity, policy, and practice innovation. The School also partners closely with Michigan Medicine, the University Health System, and a wide range of global initiatives. The next Dean will strengthen these connections to expand experiential learning, collaborative research, and integrated care models, while aligning with University-wide efforts such as public engagement and the North Campus Innovation Hub.

Cultivate Philanthropic Support and Deftly Steward Resources

The next Dean will serve as a vital ambassador for UMSN, inspiring donors, alumni, and external partners with a compelling vision for the future of nursing. UMSN is currently in the public phase of a $38 million campaign and has already secured nearly two-thirds of its goal. Building on a strong foundation of support, the next Dean will strengthen relationships with existing alumni and donors while expanding the School's reach to engage new audiences drawn to nursing's essential role in promoting health equity and improving outcomes for all. They will collaborate closely with University leadership, health system partners, foundations, and community stakeholders to secure resources that advance student success, faculty excellence, research innovation, and infrastructure development. Operational acumen and responsible financial stewardship will be essential to translating these resources into sustainable, long- term growth.

Champion Inclusive Excellence and a Values-Driven Culture

The next Dean will continue to foster a culture of belonging and inclusive excellence within the School, ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff feel supported and empowered. By strengthening this foundation, the Dean will position UMSN to advance health equity more broadly, working to eliminate disparities, expand access to care, and serve Michigan's diverse rural and urban communities. UMSN has embraced a values-based framework centered on Empowerment, Practice, Inspiration, and Cultivation (EPIC). The next dean will be tasked with sustaining this cultural momentum while adapting it to future needs. As the School continues to grow in diversity and complexity, leadership must ensure that EPIC values remain embedded in daily practice, governance, and community engagement. This includes fostering psychological safety, inclusive decision-making, and a sense of belonging across faculty, staff, and students.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) invites applications and nominations for a bold, visionary, and experienced leader to serve as its next Dean. As part of one of the world's leading public research universities, UMSN is uniquely positioned to shape the future of healthcare and nursing science within one of the most influential academic ecosystems in the country. The University of Michigan (U-M) is home to 19 nationally recognized schools and colleges, making it one of the most comprehensive and academically diverse institutions in the world, and ranked among the top three public universities nationally, with more than 100 graduate programs ranked in the top ten by U.S. News & World Report. There are more than eight health sciences schools that consistently rank in the top 10 in their respective fields. U-M had more than $2 billion in research expenditures for fiscal year 2024 and ranked fourth in the nation among all institutions of higher education, and second among public universities, based on fiscal year 2023 National Science Foundation research expenditure rankings. Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan's academic medical center, is one of the country's top-ranked academic health centers; its clinical branch, Michigan Health, includes 11 hospitals and hundreds of clinics statewide that are staffed by more than 30,000 employees. Michigan Health manages over 48,000 hospital discharges and nearly three million outpatient clinic visits annually.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the nation's top nursing schools at a world-class public research university, shaping the future of nursing education, science, and clinical practice to advance health for all. UMSN is ranked among the top 10 nursing schools nationally and is recognized for its academic rigor, global engagement, and leadership in health equity. With over 1,200 students enrolled across BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, and over $14 million in annual research spending, UMSN drives innovation in areas such as chronic disease management, care delivery models, and data-driven health solutions. The School's values-driven culture is anchored by its EPIC principles: Empowerment, Practice, Inspiration, and Cultivation, which foster respect, integrity, and collaboration across its vibrant academic community.

This leadership transition comes at a time of reflection and momentum for UMSN. Enrollment has grown, and program offerings are evolving. The research enterprise, long a hallmark of UMSN, is also entering a pivotal new chapter to navigate through shifting funding priorities and sources. The UMSN community is ready to co-create a shared vision that builds on the School's rich history and legacy and expands its leadership locally, nationally, and globally.

The next dean must possess the strategic acumen to foster exceptional academic programs and robust enrollment, cultivate a thriving and inclusive internal community, build the infrastructure and resources necessary to support research excellence, and lead innovative clinical initiatives that bridge education, research, and practice. Experience in leading complex organizations, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, and advocating for nursing is essential. To fulfill accreditation requirements, the Dean must be a registered nurse (RN) with a graduate degree in nursing and an earned doctorate. The Dean must also have a current or eligible RN license to practice nursing in Michigan and demonstrate scholarly distinction appropriate for a tenured appointment as a full professor at the University of Michigan. Significant experience in nursing leadership, education, practice, and/or research is expected.

The University of Michigan has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries in confidence to Isaacson, Miller, as indicated in the How to Apply section.

Required Qualifications*

This position requires a collaborative leader with strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and political savvy; who deeply understands nursing education, research, and practice; who thinks creatively and strategically; who can connect to a wide array of constituents; values interprofessional collaboration, and who defaults to transparency and inclusion. They will uphold the University of Michigan's values: integrity, equity, respect, diversity, inclusion, and innovation.

• A registered nurse (RN) with a graduate degree in nursing and an earned doctorate;
• Qualified for appointment as a tenured full professor at the University of Michigan's School of Nursing;
• Current or eligible RN licensure to practice nursing in the state of Michigan.
  
  
  

Desired Qualifications*

• Distinguished record of academic achievement, research, practice, and service;
• Significant administrative and leadership experience;
• A record of accomplishment in recruiting, developing, and retaining outstanding faculty, staff, and students;
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including collegiality and collaboration;
• Demonstrated experience and success in developing external sources of support;
• A firm understanding of higher education and the dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare landscape;
• Proven ability to build effective partnerships within a college and university, with clinical partners, and with external groups;
• High standards of professional integrity and a strong sense of professional ethics;
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility in academic and operational practices;
• Proven ability to engage meaningfully with diverse communities and foster community partnerships;
• Visionary leadership in integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into curriculum, research, and service aligned with the institution's mission.
  
  
  

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The University of Michigan, including the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses as well as Michigan Medicine, is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. The University is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for faculty, staff, and students, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Inquiries Or Complaints May Be Addressed To The Equity, Civil Rights And Title IX Office (ECRT) At 734-763- 0235 And [email Protected], And As Follows

Sex/Gender Identity/Gender Expression/Sexual Orientation, including sexual misconduct: ECRT Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Director and Title IX Coordinator.

Disability: ECRT Disability Director and ADA Coordinator.

Race/Color/National Origin/Age/Marital Status/Religion/Height/Weight/Veteran Status: ECRT Civil Rights Director.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.