MEPN Program Director / Assistant Professor - 261081

InsideHigherEdCullowhee, North Carolina, United States

4 days ago

Job type

Full-time

Permanent

Job description

MEPN Program Director / Assistant Professor - 261081

Western Carolina University

Department : School of Nursing

About WCU : Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including :

2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work / life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary : The School of Nursing (SON) invites applications for the position of Master’s Entry Prelicensure Nursing (MEPN) Program Director / Assistant Professor. This is a 12-month tenure track position.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. The anticipated begin work date is January 2026 and this position is located on-site in Cullowhee, NC.

The Program Director will provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership to ensure high-quality, workforce-aligned, and culturally responsive education for students entering the profession at the master’s level. The Program Director oversees curriculum development, faculty coordination, accreditation compliance, student support, and interprofessional partnerships that strengthen advanced generalist nursing education in Western North Carolina and beyond.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Lead curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation in alignment with AACN Essentials and NC Board of Nursing regulations.

Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure the delivery of student-centered, inclusive instruction that prepares graduates for RN licensure and advanced generalist practice.

Coordinate accreditation, regulatory reporting, and data collection efforts for internal and external stakeholders.

Oversee student recruitment, progression, retention, and graduation initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Student Services and Admissions.

Provide mentorship and support to MEPN faculty, ensuring academic excellence and professional development.

Engage with clinical partners to secure and sustain high-quality clinical placements.

Teach in the MEPN program and maintain an active portfolio of scholarship and / or service aligned with institutional expectations.

Participate in School of Nursing and university-level committees and strategic planning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position :

Minimum Qualifications :

Graduate degree in Nursing required (MSN, DNP, or PhD); doctoral degree preferred for tenure-track lines.

Unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or eligibility to obtain.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in nursing education, including leadership or coordination roles.

Demonstrated understanding of curriculum development, program evaluation, and accreditation standards.

Demonstrated commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered care across varied populations, and contributing to a well-rounded, skilled healthcare workforce.

Preferred Qualifications :

Experience in graduate nursing education and teaching advanced generalist content.

Evidence of effective leadership in new program development or growth.

Experience with simulation, innovative pedagogy, or distance-accessible learning models.

Position Type : Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants : To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for consideration.

Please attach the following : A letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a list of three (3) references with contact information, and copies of transcripts from the highest degree earned.

For questions or additional information, please contact Terri Durbin, Director of the School of Nursing, at tdurbin@email.wcu.edu

AA / EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit : https : / / jobs.wcu.edu / postings / 32310

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