Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Tarleton State University, Fort Worth Campus, in its search for Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Instruction for the School of Nursing. 

For full consideration, please apply by January 15.

With a new Dean, growing programs and enrollment, and an impressive first-time pass rate of 94.67%, Tarleton University’s School of Nursing is entering an exciting new chapter. This is an opportunity to join them as they embark on a new era and leave a lasting impact on nursing education.

The Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Instruction (ADCI) joins the university with a President fully committed to the success of nursing and health sciences and a dynamic and energetic new Associate Vice Provost and executive leadership team in place. As the University aspires to achieve R1 status, the School of Nursing will play a pivotal role in building and shaping that trajectory. This is an opportunity for an innovative scholar-educator to build and lead transformative initiatives in a nursing program at the forefront of shaping the future of excellence in nursing education. As part of the College of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing has financially benefited from the 87th and 88th legislative sessions in Texas, allowing for new program development and strengthening of existing programs, and is fully committed to addressing health disparities and meeting the health needs of populations situated in rural Texas. 

The School of Nursing offers multiple nursing pathways, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional, LVN-BSN, RN-BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (Education and Administration) with a projected CRNA (DNP) program starting in 2028.  The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high academic and professional standards. Tarleton offers state-of-the-art nursing labs, providing hands-on learning opportunities, as well as small class sizes. 

For the current academic year, the ADCI will oversee the undergraduate and graduate curricula with faculty oversight in teaching and learning as well as participate in the necessary operations of the university. Beginning in the 2025 academic year, as part of a reorganization to enhance focus on both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, this position will focus exclusively on graduate programs. Oversight of undergraduate programs will transition to another nursing leader.

This position is a 12-month appointment focused on the development of graduate nursing programs. The ADCI is expected to teach 6 SCH hours/Academic Year and 3 SCH during the Summer, as appropriate. Travel to off-campus instructional sites where the programs in the School of Nursing are offered will also be expected.

This position reports to the Dean of the School of Nursing. Though primarily located in Fort Worth, occasional travel will be required to the Stephenville campus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain current knowledge and trends in nursing education
• Oversee duties of the semester team leaders and course leaders, as appropriate
• Serve as co-chair of the BSN curriculum committee and ex-officio on the Graduate Council
• Coordinate and implement curriculum decisions and updates in collaboration with the faculty
• Identify and coordinate professional development opportunities for faculty to enhance teaching effectiveness
• Communicate the vision of teaching and learning closely aligned with the mission and goals of the School of Nursing
• Conduct ongoing evaluation and implementation of best practices in teaching and learning through a systematic approach to continuous improvement
• Represent the School of Nursing on the Academic Council and in meetings of Directors and Department Heads at the University level
• Ensure maintenance of all educational requirements outlined by the Texas Board of Nursing and teaching/learning standards set by CCNE - Standard III
• Participate in the Executive Leadership Team of the School of Nursing
• Work with the School Dean to ensure faculty know tenure and/or promotion requirements and guidelines
• Participate in the faculty hiring process and provide input on annual faculty performance evaluations
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Clinical Learning and Simulation (ASCLS) to review and evaluate faculty teaching load
• Foster and support faculty members to achieve and maintain qualities most valued by the academic community, teaching excellence, professional and scholarly development, and commitment to university service

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned Doctorate in nursing from a regionally accredited institution (PhD or DNP) 
• Master's degree with 18 graduate semester credit hours in the subject area(s) assigned to teach
• Eligible and maintaining current license as an RN in the State of Texas 
• Previous experience in a leadership role, such as director, department head/chair
• Record of effective leadership in teaching, scholarship, and service in higher education
• Demonstrated experience with accreditation standards and Texas Board of Nursing Requirements for nursing education
• Demonstrated ability to use and understand data to inform strategic planning and resource allocations within the department
• Experience mentoring faculty 

About Tarleton State University  
  
As a founding member of and the second largest institution within The Texas A&M University System, Tarleton is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, A&M RELLIS at Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity, and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs. 
   
Tarleton is a vibrant learning community with nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a doctorate in education and criminal justice, within nine academic colleges including Agricultural and Natural Resources; Business; Education; Engineering; Graduate Studies; Health Sciences; Liberal and Fine Arts; Science and Mathematics; and University College. 
 
Tarleton has extended the reach of state-supported, affordable education by expanding online undergraduate and graduate programs and classes in Stephenville and on our outreach campuses. Students come to Tarleton from around the world, representing some 30 countries, nearly every state in the U.S., and 253 Texas counties, and leave as moral, ethical thinkers with civility and integrity who contribute meaningfully to a global society. 
   
Recent additions to the main Stephenville location include new facilities such as the Engineering building, the stadium and athletic-facilities renovations, and the Child Development Center, along with the upcoming Convocation and Event Center.  Tarleton’s research centers include the renowned Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research, the Timberlake Biological Field Station, and the Southwest Regional Dairy Center. 
 
Tarleton’s Vision  

Tarleton State University will be the premier comprehensive regional university in the nation, dedicated to education, service and research. It is committed to being a university of opportunity for all students and believes it has a responsibility to drive regional innovation and job creation for all graduates.  
  
Living in the Area  

Fort Worth, located in North Central Texas, seamlessly combines a modern vibe with timeless charm. Whether it’s exploring the dynamic arts district, catching live music at iconic venues like Billy Bob’s, taking in panoramic views from the Reunion Tower Observation Deck, or stepping back in time at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the city offers a rich tapestry of culture, entertainment, and tradition. Nestled in the rolling plains of North Texas, nature enthusiasts will feel right at home with countless parks, scenic trails and opportunities for biking, hiking, and kayaking. Forth Worth is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. 
 
Conveniently located just 35 miles west of Dallas and 200 miles north of Houston, the thriving metro area is a hub for key industries with abundant employment opportunities across a variety of fields, including finance, aerospace, oil and gas, and manufacturing. The area is home to several Fortune 500 companies, such as BNSF Railway, American Airlines, and Bell, all of which provide careers in these dynamic fields. Fort Worth boasts top-notch public schools and top-tier colleges and universities making it an ideal environment for any educational experience. The cost of living is approximately 5% below the national average, with housing costs 21% lower, making it an affordable place to live.

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by January 15.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to TarletonNursingADCI@acesrch.com. 
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institution’s EEO Statement
Tarleton State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. As a member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton will provide equal opportunity for employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity through The Texas A&M System.