Chair of the Department of Nursing

LaGrange College, (www.lagrange.edu) located in LaGrange, GA, is accepting applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Nursing.

This is a full-time, tenure-track position (rank open) with a start date of August 1, 2027. This position will involve teaching 12 credit hours per academic year of a range of courses leading to the BS degree in Nursing in addition to the responsibilities of Chair. Potential courses to teach may include but are not limited to: Leadership, Research, Medical-Surgical nursing, Health Assessment and Foundations and On-line degree completion courses. The Nursing Chair will report to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). Candidates should be willing to demonstrate inter-professional collaboration as a member of the Chairs Council meeting with the VPAA and other Department Chairs to discuss issues that affect curricula across the college and within programs. Administrative duties include but are not limited to representing departmental and faculty interests within the college, managing and evaluating faculty and administrative staff, and overseeing physical and financial resources.

The Chair and nursing faculty are in periodic discussions of student achievement and challenges during course delivery. The LaGrange College program in Nursing is in its 44th year. The degree program in Nursing offers a traditional BSN program. The LaGrange College nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and holds conditional approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing. The new Chair will lead the program’s return to full approval.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Chair the Department of Nursing
• Teach a total of 12 hours per academic year
• Establish student preceptorships
• Provide student assistance including academic advising
• Attend college functions, including commencement, convocation, and faculty, committee, and departmental meetings
• Participate in scheduled orientation and registration of new students
• Manage course schedules
• Assist in the recruitment of students and set and uphold admission standards in partnership with the Office of Admission
• Negotiate contracts related to clinical facility use of students
• Provide leadership in ongoing evaluation of Program and Student Outcomes
• Lead efforts to raise first-time NCLEX pass rates and maintain compliance with Georgia Board of Nursing and ACEN standards
• Ensure documentation is maintained on preceptors and clinical adjuncts, including license verification
• Conduct yearly faculty evaluations

Required qualifications: a graduate degree in nursing and at least three years of teaching experience in a nursing education program leading to initial registered nurse licensure, consistent with Georgia Board of Nursing Rule 410-8-.05.

The ideal candidate will have:

• An earned doctorate. DNP or PhD in nursing preferred; EdD considered when held with a graduate degree in nursing
• A license, or the ability to acquire a license, in the state of Georgia
• Knowledge and experience in nursing education regulatory and accreditation requirements
• An ability to integrate appropriate technology and software in teaching
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, demonstrated teaching and clinical experience appropriate to the level of appointment, and evidence of scholarly/creative activity
• An ability to work effectively with a diverse student body
• Knowledge of higher education environment and of current student development theory and research
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and people leadership skills
• The ability to effectively interact with a diverse group of students, staff, faculty, alumni, donors, industry partners, and community

LaGrange is a four-year liberal arts and sciences college offering more than 50 areas of study, including graduate degrees in education and clinical mental health counseling. Recent new additions to the undergraduate portfolio include aviation, human resources, manufacturing engineering technology, and neuroscience. Recent additions to the graduate portfolio include a new doctoral program in education and master’s degree programs in education and computer science. LaGrange provides the resources and support students need to not only uncover their goals, but to reach them. Consistently ranked among the South’s top colleges by U.S. News & World Report and with an endowment of more than $86 million, LaGrange is committed to providing the best learning environments for its students.

LaGrange College challenges the minds and inspires the souls of its students, preparing them to become successful, responsible citizens who pursue lives of integrity, service, and lifelong learning. Founded in 1831 and committed to its relationship with the United Methodist Church and its Wesleyan and liberal arts traditions, the college supports students in their search for truth.

LaGrange College is being assisted by the partners of Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search. Applications should be submitted to Cheryl Hyatt at LaGrange@hyatt-fennell.com and should include a letter of interest, a current résumé, and contact information for five professional references, in Word or PDF documents. Materials will be reviewed as they are received. All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.

LaGrange College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.