The University of Nebraska at Omaha seeks applications for the Director for the School of Health and Kinesiology in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. The school has an enrollment of approximately 500 students and offers bachelor’s degree in public health and kinesiology, master’s degrees in athletic training and health and kinesiology, and a doctoral degree in biomechanics and kinesiology, as well as 4 minors. Leadership and faculty demonstrate a focus on student success, social and economic mobility, and workforce development, and they are among the highest producers of externally funded research at the University. Community engagement is a centerpiece of the school’s mission. The school is committed to training the next generation of dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens. In the fall of 2024, the school will open the Health Science Collaborative, a 30,000 square foot space dedicated to innovative and cutting-edge research, education, and community engagement.
The Director is the chief administrative officer of the School of H&K and reports directly to the College Dean. The Director assumes final responsibility for all academic, administrative, and budgetary decisions related to the school. The next Director must demonstrate innovation, strategy, and support for growing programs and enrollment, externally funded research, and developing and maintaining community partnerships.
Examples of responsibilities of the Director include:
Establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a vision for the school in support of the strategic plans of the university and college.
Leadership for the advancement and strategy of the growing school to support the regional and national reputation of the university.
Consultation with faculty and staff to establish short- and long-term goals and initiatives that are well-planned, evidence-based, and data supported.
Oversight of all school programs and degrees, including maintaining specialized accreditation for public health, kinesiology, and athletic training programs.
Participation in the College Leadership Team and other relevant college and university committees, councils, and teams.
Supervision of the assistant director, program directors, and full-time faculty in the school, including the completion of annual reviews and the reappointment, promotion, and tenure process.
Faculty mentorship to promote top-tier teaching, funded research, and collaboration with the community, other university units, and external partners.
To be eligible for this position, candidates must have:
An earned doctorate in one of the disciplines related to the school.
A minimum of 3 years in an academic leadership role (e.g. chair, director, program director, or lab director).
Demonstrated success in teaching, research, and community engagement.
Experience leading national specialized accreditation.
Academic qualifications to support appointment at the rank of associate professor or higher.
This position is a12-month appointment with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025. A review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Why UNO?
The University of Nebraska at Omaha is fueled by its historical ties to Omaha. As the first municipal university in Omaha, the early founders’ goal was to make higher education accessible and affordable for the city’s residents. In 1968, the campus joined the University of Nebraska system, and today has the unique role of serving as the state’s metropolitan campus.
Accessibility remains a top priority in UNO’s mission and vision. Today, the campus is known for its student-centered environment, its community engagement, and its dedication to embracing students from all types of backgrounds. UNO’s consistent ranking among the Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students in Nebraska reflects a commitment to the Maverick values of access, inclusion and diversity that make UNO a welcoming campus community, evidenced by the numerous resources and support services offered by the university.
The campus has built strong partnerships with local business, education, government, arts, and civic organizations in the city. UNO’s commitment to community engagement has landed UNO on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for seven consecutive years—the highest federal recognition a school can receive for civic engagement.
This honor is but one of many points of pride for UNO. UNO continues to be ranked in the top 5% of public institutions in the nation for military friendliness by Military Times magazine. Nearly 90 percent of UNO’s 15,500 students are from Nebraska, and roughly 60 percent of recent alumni surveyed report graduating with no debt or less than $5,000 in debt. It is simply one of the most competitively priced institutions in the region. UNO, while large enough to provide students with global opportunities, thrives on its personal and close-knit campus culture, where students come first and partnerships with the community grow every day.
Contact information for three references (references will only be contacted for finalists)
Applications must be submitted directly through the UNO website to be considered for this position. Any applications submitted via email will not be reviewed or considered.
Applications received after the review date may be considered. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Jason Coleman, Associate Dean, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, at jdcoleman@unomaha.edu.
The University and College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. UNO is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an E-Verify employer.
UNO is dedicated to the city and state in our name. As the University of Nebraska's metropolitan university campus, no fences or barriers separate students from the opportunities offered by the greater Omaha area. We address real issues, providing relevant learning opportunities that uniquely prepare our graduates as professionals and active members of their community.