Associate Dean in Graduate Programs at University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia 2025

Job Description

The University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health, located in Columbia, is inviting applications for the position of Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Programs. This leadership opportunity is open to candidates at the professional track or tenure-track level at the Associate or Full Professor rank.

Organization Profile

The University of South Carolina (USC) serves over 50,000 students across 20 locations. With a strong commitment to service and education, USC is transforming communities through innovative research and accessible higher education. The Arnold School of Public Health is nationally recognized for excellence in health science education, public service, and research. USC offers comprehensive employee benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and generous leave.

Job Title:

• Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Programs
  (Professional Track or Tenure Track)
• Employment Type: Full-Time | 9-Month Basis
• College/Division: Arnold School of Public Health
• Department: ASPH – Arnold School of Public Health
• Campus: Columbia, South Carolina

Position Description:

The Associate Dean (AD) will report directly to the Dean and provide visionary leadership in managing, growing, and enhancing all graduate and professional programs, including on-campus, online, and certificate offerings.

Key Responsibilities:

Supervisory:

• Lead the Office of Graduate Student Services and related evaluation initiatives.

Recruitment & Retention:

• Partner with department chairs and directors to attract, admit, and retain top-tier graduate students.
• Coordinate with the Graduate School on student lifecycle policies and practices.

Program Development & Oversight:

• Align graduate programs with university strategies, accreditation standards, and market needs.
• Ensure cohesive, high-quality graduate curricula across departments.

Community & Professional Development:

• Build a vibrant graduate community.
• Administer fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships.

Collaboration & Expansion:

• Support cross-campus initiatives and new academic pathways.
• Lead or co-lead grant proposals supporting graduate education.

Visibility & Recognition:

• Promote the visibility and reputation of graduate programs nationally and internationally.

Academic Governance:

• Manage course/program proposals and curriculum approvals.
• Assist with accreditation documentation and compliance.

Conflict Resolution:

• Address graduate student grievances in coordination with the Graduate Student Services office.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Doctoral or terminal degree in public health or a related field (PhD, DrPH, ScD, MD, DPT, etc.)
• Experience in graduate-level instruction
• Proven record in curriculum development and evaluation
• Academic leadership experience
• Strong communication and team leadership skills
• Familiarity with accreditation processes

Preferred:

• Experience designing innovative graduate programs
• Demonstrated excellence in academic administration

Job Location:

Columbia, South Carolina, USA

Scale of Pay:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates seeking impactful positions in graduate public health education may apply by submitting the following:

• Cover Letter:
  Highlight leadership experience, approach to managing graduate programs, and accreditation involvement.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV):
  Provide an updated, detailed academic CV.
• References:
  Contact information for three professional references.

Application Contact:
Dr. Lisa Waddell (Search Committee Chair)
Email: LW84@mailbox.sc.edu

Start Date: August 16, 2025
Application Review Begins: April 22, 2025
Deadline: Open Until Filled

Important Notes:

• This is a full-time, 9-month academic leadership position (FTE)
• Benefits include healthcare, paid leave, and retirement via the SC Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA)
• USC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Important Link:

Official Notification: Click Here