Program Director & Department Head, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Program Director & Department Head, Doctor of Physical Therapy
, in partnership with the national
search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Program Director &
Department Head, Doctor of Physical Therapy. Mississippi State University - Meridian invites a founding leader to build a
nationally distinctive Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the new School of Health Professions. With a statewide mission to expand access
to care鈥攅specially in rural and underserved communities鈥擬SU is investing in an innovative program that blends high-quality online learning,
short in-person lab immersions, and community-based clinical education. The founding Program Director & Department Head will recruit the
inaugural faculty, shape a modern hybrid operating model, and launch an academically rigorous, student-centered program that strengthens
Mississippi鈥檚 rehabilitation workforce.
The appointment is a full-time, tenured faculty position at the
rank of Associate or Full Professor within the Department of Physical Therapy. The DPT program has been approved by the Mississippi Board of
Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning as a hybrid program to meet the needs of learners while delivering a rigorous and
comprehensive curriculum. While the didactic curriculum is delivered in a hybrid/online format, the founding Program Director is expected to
maintain a consistent and visible on-campus presence to support students, faculty, accreditation activities, and program operations.
Responsibilities
- Foster the development of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
program in alignment with CAPTE accreditation requirements. - Create, facilitate, and implement a vision and strategic plan for the
department and its programs/ventures in alignment with the college and university strategic plans. - Set goals for the department and
its programs/initiatives in collaboration with faculty and college/university leaders. Work to meet standards of excellence in physical
therapy and rehabilitation sciences education/research and establish the department as a national leader. - Oversee and manage the
department鈥檚 finances and budget to achieve financial goals set collaboratively with the Dean of the School of Health Professions. - Recruit, select, and retain faculty members that strengthen the department in alignment with the vision, values, and strategic goals of
the organization.
Required Qualifications:
The
program director demonstrates the academic and professional qualifications and relevant experience in higher education requisite for
providing effective leadership for the program, the program faculty, and the students. These qualifications include all of the
following:
- Is a physical therapist who holds an active, unencumbered PT license in any United States jurisdiction and is in
compliance with the practice act in the jurisdiction where the program is located. For CAPTE-accredited programs outside the United States,
the program director is licensed or regulated as a PT in accordance with their country's regulations. - Has earned an academic
doctoral degree, or previous CAPTE-granted exemption. - Meets eligibility for appointment at the rank of associate or full
professor. - Has a minimum of 6 years of full-time higher education experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of full-time experience
as a core faculty member in a CAPTE-accredited entry-level physical therapist education program. - Record of progressive
administrative and leadership experience that demonstrates the ability to serve as the DPT program director and department head. This
includes experience with CAPTE accreditation, curriculum development and implementation, budgeting and resource allocation, and personnel
management.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Special consideration will be
given to candidates with previous university-level experience and/or leadership in PT programs and hybrid education models. - Preference given to candidates who reside within, or are willing to relocate to, a reasonable commuting distance from Meridian, MS.
- Active American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) membership.
About the
Institution
serves primarily east Mississippi and west Alabama and has expanded its national reach through
high-demand health science programs. With two campuses, College Park and Riley, the university offers both credit and non-credit coursework
designed to support traditional and non-traditional students. As an upper-division degree completion site, MSU-Meridian is known for strong
partnerships with four regional community colleges and for developing distinctive graduate programs that prepare adult learners for careers
in education, healthcare, and mental health. MSU-Meridian also supports workforce advancement through Bachelor of Applied Science and
Bachelor of Applied Technology degrees, reinforcing its commitment to 四虎影视, research, and service.
is located
on the Riley Campus in downtown Meridian. Approved in May 2024 by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the School
represents an investment in building a vibrant health professions campus. The Riley Campus is undergoing a strategic transformation into a
dedicated health sciences campus, advancing innovative approaches to address health disparities across the state. It is home to
Mississippi鈥檚 first publicly funded Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, Healthcare Administration program, PsyD in Combined
Health Services Psychology, and accelerated Master of Science in Nursing entry licensure program, the latter recently receiving Phase I
approval from the Board of Trustees. The Riley Campus also houses the Mental & Behavioral Health Clinic. By creating a unified
administrative structure for current and future programs, the School is positioned to expand access, elevate quality, and meaningfully
increase the number of highly prepared healthcare professionals serving the state and region.
About
the Community
,
blends rich history with creative energy. With our railroad roots and our love of great music, Meridian offers a flourishing arts scene amid
what amounts to a museum of gorgeous architecture. Urban lakes and parks soothe the soul with their natural beauty, and one-of-a-kind
attractions appeal to the kid or the creative in us all. Come see why Garden & Gun magazine calls Meridian 鈥淢ississippi鈥檚 unofficial seat of
culture.鈥� From live performances at the historic MSU Riley Center to exploring the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, the city
celebrates its artistic spirit year-round.
Meridian is halfway between Atlanta and Dallas, and between
Nashville and New Orleans, placing several major Southern cities within easy reach. With commercial flights through Meridian Regional
Airport and passenger rail service via Amtrak, the city remains well connected to destinations near and far. A regional hub for healthcare,
education, manufacturing, and transportation, Meridian offers economic stability alongside a welcoming, community-centered feel, making it a
place where culture, connectivity, and opportunity intersect.
Application Process
All correspondence relating to the position of Program Director & Department Head, Doctor of Physical
Therapy at Mississippi State University - Meridian should be directed in confidence to the University鈥檚 executive
search consultant:
Erin House, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
A complete application should
include the following:
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
- Current CV or Resume;
- Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email
address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received by April 10, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will
remain open until the position is filled.
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity
institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy,
religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the
extent protected by applicable law.
