Department Chair of Nursing

Title: Department Chair of Nursing

VP Area: Provost - UMW

Department: College of Education

Campus Location: Main Campus

Advertised Range: Commensurate with experience up to $125,000

ZRG Partners Academic Nursing Leadership Practice has been engaged to recruit the Chair for the Department of Nursing at the University of Mary Washington. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and build innovative nursing programs, including a newly approved MSN Program with Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator tracks. The Chair will report to the Dean of the new College of Education and Human Development, which will bring together programs from Education, Nursing, and Athletics. The Chair will lead the development of future, innovative programs that align with the University’s mission and values.

The Chair will oversee the Department’s existing Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (RN-BSN) and implement, enhance, and direct the new MSN Program. The Chair will be responsible for the academic and administrative leadership of the Department of Nursing, including oversight of enrollment, curriculum development, assessment and accreditation, financial stewardship, student clinical placement, community engagement and partnerships, and faculty recruitment and evaluation.

There is a strong preference for the new Chair to be a part of the community and region. Relocation assistance is available. A remote/on-campus hybrid reporting structure may be considered for those living within an easy commutable distance by ground transportation. Depending on the candidate’s interest and qualifications, some degree of clinical effort could be incorporated into this leadership position.

Thefull position profilecanbe foundby clickingHERE.

Required KSAs/Competencies/Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in nursing or related doctorate with a master's degree in nursing.
• Experience leading and directing undergraduate and/or graduate-level nursing programs.
• Eligible for Virginia RN Licensure.
• FNP certification recognized by the Virginia Board of Registered Nursing.
• Minimum of five years teaching and practice experience as appropriate to the program.
• Experience in online learning and nursing simulation.
• Active program of scholarship.
• Eligible for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor rank.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with faculty, administration, staff, students, and community partners.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience building new BSN and MSN programs.
• Experience and knowledge of compliance and accreditation.
• Passion for academia and the nursing professional with sincere support and understanding of culture diversity and the needs of the community.
• Strong support for interprofessional education and interest in forging relationships with related health professions.

Inquiries received prior to October 15, 2026, will receive priority consideration.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Alan D. Johns, Managing Director, ZRG Partners at or (call or text).

The University of Mary Washington adheres to the principle of equal opportunity. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors in recruiting, admitting, enrolling students or hiring and promoting faculty and staff members. Complaints of discrimination should be directed to the EEO officer of the University.