Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning and Professor (Open Rank - Academic or Clinical Track)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Nursing
Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning
and Professor (Open Rank - Academic or Clinical Track)
Academic Career & Executive Search
is pleased to assist The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing in its search for Associate Dean for Simulation and
Experiential Learning and Professor (Open Rank 鈥� Academic or Clinical Track).
For full consideration, please apply by May 4, 2026.
This is a rare and
prestigious opportunity to lead one of the nation鈥檚 most established simulation enterprises in nursing education at a moment of
extraordinary institutional momentum. Amid sustained enrollment growth and strategic investment in nursing workforce development, The
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Carolina Nursing) is elevating
simulation and experiential learning as a central pillar of its academic mission. Carolina Nursing鈥檚 is not simply a
supporting unit; it is a flagship program that has helped define Carolina Nursing鈥檚 national reputation and shape best practices in
immersive, evidence-based nursing education for decades. The Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning and Professor will
build on this strong foundational legacy while bringing innovation and vision to help shape the future of simulation-based experiential
learning for academic nursing and clinical education.
With nearly $2.9 million in new UNC System funding
dedicated to nursing expansion, including significant investment in simulation personnel, infrastructure, and advanced technologies, the
Associate Dean will steward one of the most visible and well-supported simulation portfolios in the country. Set to open in spring of 2027,
the new will feature three dedicated
floors of purpose-built simulation space, signaling deep institutional commitment and long-term strategic alignment. This level of backing
reflects not only confidence in the program鈥檚 trajectory, but an expectation that Carolina Nursing will lead the national standard, guided
by longstanding commitment and investment in simulation
and experiential learning. A leader in evidence-based simulation education and former president of the International Nursing Association of
Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), Dr. Howard helped advance the first national standards for simulation best practices and brings a
deep understanding of what is required to build and sustain a high-performing simulation program.
The role
arrives at a pivotal moment of growth and opportunity. Expanded staff, increasing engagement with clinical and academic partners, and
high-impact initiatives such as the and Carolina Nursing鈥檚 virtual reality simulation program position EISLE for broader
interprofessional collaboration and statewide impact. The Associate Dean will bring cohesion, strategic clarity, and bold innovation to an
already distinguished enterprise, strengthening organization alignment, reinforcing its identity, and amplifying national visibility and
influence in simulation-based nursing education.
Designed as a 50% faculty and 50% administrative
appointment, this role is ideally suited for a nationally respected senior faculty leader who brings both scholarly credibility and
strategic leadership to advancing simulation and experiential learning. The administrative appointment reports to the Dean with the faculty
support from the Division Chair. The Associate Dean will join Carolina Nursing鈥檚 senior leadership team and help shape the future of
simulation-based nursing education at one of the nation鈥檚 leading public research universities.
This
position is fully on-site.
View the full to learn more about this opportunity, Carolina Nursing, UNC
Chapel Hill and the community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative-Specific Responsibilities Include:
- Strategic Leadership: Lead initiatives to integrate
cutting-edge simulation methodologies into the curriculum. - Partnership Development: Strengthen partnerships with
clinical and community partners to enhance experiential learning opportunities. - Quality Assurance: Ensure
high-quality, evidence-based experiential learning that prepares students for real-world nursing practice. - Program
Oversight: Oversee, enhance, and expand simulation-based education and experiential learning opportunities for nursing students
across undergraduate and graduate programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, EdD, or equivalent) in nursing, education, or a related field.
- Experience and qualifications
commensurate with a faculty appointment at the rank of Full or Associate Professor on either the tenure-earning or clinical track. - Active, unencumbered RN license or eligibility for licensure in North Carolina.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in
simulation-based education or experiential learning, including leadership of programs, teams, or initiatives within an academic or
healthcare setting. - Expertise in simulation pedagogy, debriefing methodologies, and experiential learning strategies.
- Demonstrated success in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and interprofessional collaboration.
- Experience in program
evaluation, accreditation processes, and research related to simulation and experiential learning. - Strong communication,
organizational, and leadership skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Certification in simulation education (e.g., CHSE, CHSOS, or equivalent).
- Experience with emerging simulation technologies,
including virtual and augmented reality. - Grant-writing and external funding experience.
- National recognition in the field
of simulation and experiential learning.
About the Institution
Founded in 1789 as the first public university in the United States, is one of the nation鈥檚 leading public research universities and the flagship institution of the UNC
System. The University enrolls 31,000 students, supported by 4,000+ faculty and 9,000+ staff who come to Chapel Hill from around the world,
bringing varied cultural, racial, socio-economic and ethnic heritages that help make UNC Chapel Hill a thriving and diverse global
intellectual center.
Consistently ranked among the top public universities in the country by U.S. News
& World Report, UNC Chapel Hill is widely recognized for both academic excellence and exceptional value. Classified among the nation鈥檚
R1 research universities, UNC Chapel Hill is home to world-renowned programs across disciplines including medicine, public health, business,
law, and health sciences.
Located in the Research Triangle, alongside Duke University and North Carolina
State University, UNC Chapel Hill sits within one of the country鈥檚 most dynamic hubs for research, healthcare innovation, and technology
development. This environment fosters deep collaboration across academia, industry, and clinical practice, reinforcing Carolina鈥檚 role as a
global center of discovery, education, and public service.
Learn more about The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill:
About the School of
Nursing
Established in 1950, is a
nationally recognized leader in nursing education, research, and clinical innovation. The School offers highly ranked BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD
programs, along with post-graduate certificate programs that prepare nurse leaders to improve health outcomes locally, nationally, and
globally.
Located on UNC Chapel Hill鈥檚 health sciences campus and within walking distance of the Schools of
Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Social Work, Carolina Nursing benefits from a deeply collaborative interprofessional
environment. Its proximity to UNC Hospitals, one of the nation鈥檚 leading academic health systems, further strengthens opportunities for
clinical education, research partnerships, and translational impact.
Carolina Nursing faculty lead and
contribute to a diverse portfolio of multidisciplinary research and scholarship addressing critical health challenges. The School is widely
recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and innovative models of experiential learning that prepare the
next generation of nursing leaders.
Learn more about Carolina Nursing:
Living in the Area
Located in central North Carolina, Chapel Hill is a multicultural university town known for its blend of
small-town charm, cultural richness, and academic energy. Together with nearby Raleigh and Durham, Chapel Hill forms the renowned , one of the country鈥檚 leading hubs for research, healthcare, and technology.
The region offers an exceptional quality of life, with highly regarded schools, nationally recognized
healthcare systems, and a strong growing economy anchored by Research Triangle Park, one of the largest research parks in the world.
Residents enjoy easy access to parks, greenways, and outdoor recreation, including the nearby .
The heart of Chapel Hill is , a lively downtown district featuring more than 200 restaurants, caf茅s, music venues, and locally owned shops. Cultural
opportunities throughout the Triangle include performing arts, museums, festivals, and collegiate athletics, contributing to a dynamic and
welcoming community.
Chapel Hills鈥� central location also allows convenient travel to both the Blue Ridge
Mountains and North Carolina鈥檚 Atlantic coastline, making it easy to explore the state鈥檚 diverse landscapes and outdoor destinations. Chapel
Hill consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States for quality of life, education, and community vitality.
Learn more about the area: /
To Apply
For full consideration, please apply by May 4, 2026.
To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at:
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 UNCNursingADSim@acesrch.com.
Nominations and
referrals: Please send the nominee鈥檚 name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.
Institutional
Information
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without
regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual
orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
