Associate or Full Professor & Inaugural Chair of the Department of Health Behavior, Policy &

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title

Associate or Full Professor & Inaugural Chair of the Department of Health Behavior, Policy & Management (Tenured)

Department

COMM & ENVIRON HEALTH

Position Number

F0129A

Job Description

The Joint School of Public Health ( JSPH ) at Old Dominion University ( ODU ) in Norfolk, Virginia invites applications from experienced, accomplished, and visionary individuals to serve as inaugural Chair of the Department of Health Behavior, Policy, & Management starting in summer or fall of 2025. The Chair is expected to provide visionary leadership in departmental education, research, and service activities in alignment with the School and University’s strategic plan.

The JSPH offers two Council on Education for Public Health ( CEPH ) accredited programs, the Masters of Public Health ( MPH ) and the doctoral program (PhD) in Health Services Research programs. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health ( BSEH ), Bachelor of Science in Public Health ( BSPH ), and Master of Healthcare Administration ( MHA ) programs are also part of the JSPH .

The JSPH benefits from a distinguished faculty with extensive expertise in health behavior, policy, and management. Our professors are recognized leaders in their fields, combining rigorous academic training with practical experience in public health practice. They bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse backgrounds, including social and behavioral sciences, policy analysis, and health administration, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking educational experience. Their commitment to mentoring, research, and community engagement enriches the learning environment, preparing students to address complex health challenges with innovative solutions and effective management strategies.

Position Type

FullTime

Type of Recruitment

General Public

Type of Recruitment

General Public

Minimum required education and/or special licenses, registrations, trainings, or certifications

Applicants must have a terminal doctoral degree (Ph.D., Dr.P.H., or Sc.D.) in Health Behavior, Health Promotion, Health Policy, Health Management, or related areas from an accredited program or school. Alternatively, candidates may have earned an M.D. degree from an accredited program and a master’s degree from an accredited public health program or school.

Minimum required level and type of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Prior experience as a Department Chair or other significant leadership position in an academic setting.
• Familiarity with CEPH accreditation standards and processes.
• The ability to promote increases in sponsored research activity among faculty.
• A clear forward-thinking vision to advance the reputation and visibility of the Department, School, and University.
• Expertise across interdisciplinary areas of health behavior, health promotion, health policy, health management, or health services research.
• Track record of community engagement activities, service to community/profession, collaboration, and research.
• Experience with program and curriculum development and revision.
• Experience with successful student recruitment and retention.

Conditions of Employment

Location

Norfolk, VA

Job Open Date

02/17/2026

Application Review Date

10/31/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Application Instructions

Applicants must apply at https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/21777 and submit each of the following required documents:

1. Cover letter concisely addressing the required and preferred qualification bullets listed above.
2. Current curriculum vita.
3. Concise vision statement for department development.
4. Unofficial graduate transcripts.
5. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2026 for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to the search committee Chair, Dr. Poplin, at gpoplin@odu.edu .

Telework Friendly

No

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757)683-3141.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

About the College

The Joint School of Public Health Initiative is a collaboration between Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. Its expertise and partnerships embody forward-thinking and community-responsive approaches to public health education and outreach located at both campuses. Information regarding public health at ODU and NSU, visit https://www.odu.edu/community-environmental-health and https://www.nsu.edu/public-health .

For information about the recent integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School into Old Dominion University to create the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, please visit https://www.odu.edu/article/macon-joan-brock-virginia-health-sciences-at-old-dominion-university-launches .

About the Department