Dean, Orvis School of Nursing - University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or [email protected] . For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778. 

Job Description

The Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications and nominations for Dean. The School seeks a collaborative, dynamic, and innovative leader who will play an integral role in representing OSN and harnessing opportunities to further elevate the School as a leader in nursing education, clinical practice, and research, and meeting the immense need for well-trained nurses in the state.

The University of Nevada, Reno, founded in 1874, is the state of Nevada’s first university and the state’s land-grant university. UNR is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research 1 university and has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its students and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. UNR serves 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 75 countries.

The Dean of OSN reports to the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Provost and serves on the Senior Leadership Team for the University.  The Dean will be an academically distinguished leader and a key player in the School’s work to energize partnership and action in shaping the future of OSN and the healthcare environment. 

Orvis School of Nursing

An essential part of its mission as a land grant institution, all University programs are dedicated to serving the people of Nevada through quality teaching, research, and service. Founded in 1956, the  Orvis School of Nursing at UNR is the oldest school of nursing in the state and is committed to serving the healthcare needs of the people of Nevada.

Mission and Vision: A legacy of service

Inspired by values of caring, compassion, and inclusion, the mission of OSN is to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders to promote the health and well-being of diverse populations in Nevada, the nation, and the world through excellence in nursing education, discovery, and engagement. The School’s vision is to educate and inspire current and future nurses to be providers and change agents improving the health and well-being of our society, to encourage and support research and innovation, and to focus on the challenges of a rapidly changing and culturally diverse healthcare environment.

OSN Strategic Plan

The OSN’s strategic planning goals and strategies align with Wolf Pack Rising , the University’s strategic plan. Six goals are at the core of the strategic plan: strengthen The Pack, invest in our future, lead for Nevada, transform the world, make silver and blue the new green, and expand the Wolf Pack impact. UNR’s commitment to reinforce its obligation to Nevada and beyond provides a central opportunity for OSN to capitalize on the institutional commitment to the importance of sustainable health.

Faculty, Staff, and Students

The OSN boasts 37 talented full-time faculty who are passionate about nursing education and includes three fellows in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and one fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. In 2023, OSN enrolled 335 students in its undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and 217 students in its graduate programs. Undergraduate class sizes are projected to increase each semester.

Academic Programs

OSN offers two areas for students to earn baccalaureate nursing degrees, the traditional accelerated 16-month Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and the RN-BSN track. Current reports indicate that OSN BSN graduates who took the NCLEX-RN examination in 2023 had a combined first-time pass rate of 95.2 percent year to date and 100 percent following the change to Next Generation NCLEX in April 2023.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to prepare RNs for advanced practice, educator, and leadership positions in healthcare. OSN offers seven tracks at the master’s degree level:

• Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner

• Adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner

• Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner

• Pediatric acute care nurse practitioner

• Clinical nurse leader

• Family nurse practitioner

• Nurse educator

In addition, OSN offers an advanced graduate (post-Master’s) certificate for six of the seven tracks.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed as a terminal practice degree for clinically practicing nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and nursing leaders in healthcare organizations. OSN offers two DNP options: a post-Master’s DNP program and a BSN to DNP program.

Required Qualifications

The Dean must hold a master’s degree with a major in nursing and a doctorate degree in nursing or related field from an accredited school. Additionally, the Dean will have a record commensurate with appointment of tenure within the OSN, and current or eligible RN licensure to practice nursing in the state of Nevada.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five years of administrative experience in nursing education;

• Substantial administrative experience with academic budgeting and financial planning;

• A distinguished record of research and excellence in teaching with demonstrated experience in both traditional and online educational programs;

• A successful record of developing, implementing, and sustaining innovative policies and programs that foster excellence in teaching, research, and service in higher education;

• Experience in academic nursing leadership combined with a spirit of research and innovation and a desire to cultivate new and existing relationships with alumni and generous donors;

• Proven experience in recruiting, developing, retaining, and evaluating faculty and professional staff;

• An established record of working with a diverse staff, faculty, and campus populations and demonstrated commitment to diversity in areas of hiring and promotions;

• Experience relating to external constituencies, such as public agencies, funding agencies, industry, alumni, and donors, and a successful record of fundraising;

• Demonstrated record of excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to motivate faculty;

• An understanding of and commitment to shared governance;

• A well-regarded history of personal and professional ethics, character, and integrity;

• A history of transparent and collaborative leadership practices, including working with large health systems;

• Strong communication skills with a commitment to inclusiveness, transparency, and consensus building;

• Firm, fair, and consistent judgment, combined with an ability to make and communicate tough decisions;

• Broad vision for nursing and a deep understanding of the dynamic healthcare landscape.

Compensation Grade

The typical salary range for this position is $280,000-$320,000.

Salary is based on related education and experience, internal equity, and budgets.

Remarkable Retirement

Our retirement plan is beyond compare. Your 17.50% contribution is generously matched by the University. With the faculty retirement plan, you are 100% vested your first day. Sit back and watch your retirement dollars grow!  All permanent employees on an annual "A" or "B" contract who are employed at least 50% full-time are eligible to participate in the NSHE retirement program unless they are members of PERS of Nevada.

Perks of Working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance

• Generous annual and sick leave and life insurance – Faculty Benefits

• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.  E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center

• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.

• Several Diversity Committees and Affinity Groups focusing on campus-wide diversity initiatives to ensure we are working to create a diverse and welcoming campus climate. Diversity Groups

• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. Faculty Senate

• No state income tax!

Grants-in-aid for Faculty Employees

The University is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Dependents of faculty have unlimited credits, but in order to be eligible children must be unmarried and under the age of 24 and must receive at least 50% of their financial support from the employee and/or employee’s spouse or domestic partner.  Faculty Grants-in-Aid

Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples’ professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provides resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Dual Career Assistance Program

Exempt

Full-Time Equivalent

Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at [email protected] .

Attach the following attachments to your application

1) Resume/CV

2) Cover Letter

3) Contact Information for Three Professional References

4) Please write a brief statement (one page maximum) about how you would contribute toward our mission of creating a culturally inclusive environment in the role for which you are applying.

UNR has engaged the executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and additional information about the position and qualifications can be found at this link: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-nevada-reno/dean-orvis-school-nursing

David Bellshaw, Jay Torio, Alice Holland, Gigi Mensah, and Nancy Pan

This posting is open until filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). 

About Us

The University of Nevada, Reno is a leading American public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s original land-grant university, the University serves 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.

Classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (“Very High Research”) university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the “Best National Universities” and “Best National Public Universities.” It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times’ “Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.”

Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada’s first medical school – the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine – and it delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and Wolf Pack Athletics.

The main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. In recent years, the University has expanded to include two additional locations: the Redfield Campus in south Reno and the Wayne L. Prim campus in Incline Village, which is the home of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.

 As part of the Nevada System of Higher Education – comprised of two research universities, one state college, four community colleges and an environmental research institute –  the University is committed to developing strong partnerships with each of these institutions for the benefit of all Nevadans.

Through its commitment to high-impact education, world-improving research and creative activity, and outreach that’s transforming Nevada’s communities and businesses, the University continues its nearly 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world.

The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

Today, the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, support, engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students’ cognitive growth and academic achievement – all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.

For more information, please visit the University’s website .

University of Nevada, Reno