Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Nursing Education

Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Nursing Education

Texas A&M University College of Nursing | McAllen, Texas

Clinical Track Leadership Role | Academic Professional Track (Non Tenure)

Korn Ferry has been retained by Texas A&M University College of Nursing to identify an Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Nursing Education for its McAllen campus. This is a clinical track leadership role focused on leading people, teaching, and building a strong BSN program. It is not a research position.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a chance to lead and shape a new Texas A&M nursing campus. The College of Nursing launched its traditional BSN program in McAllen in January 2026 with 23 students and welcomed 29 more in fall 2026. The program is housed in the 61,000 square foot Texas A&M Health Nursing Education and Research Building on the Texas A&M Higher Education Center at McAllen campus, which includes four nursing classrooms, student study areas, and a 10,000 square foot clinical simulation center.

McAllen students follow the same curriculum, earn the same Texas A&M degree, and receive the same Aggie Ring as students on the main campus. The Assistant Dean will be the onsite leader for this growing community of students, faculty, and staff, with the full backing of College leadership in Bryan College Station and the resources of one of the nation's leading public research universities.

The Rio Grande Valley is a large and growing region with substantial healthcare demand. The next Assistant Dean will have a rare opportunity to build a team, strengthen a young program, and expand access to baccalaureate nursing education in a community that is eager for it.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Assistant Dean reports to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Nursing Education. The role is a full time, 11 month appointment that is 50% administrative and 50% faculty. The position is on campus and in person in McAllen, beginning January 2027 or sooner.

A CLINICAL TRACK LEADERSHIP ROLE

This position sits on the clinical faculty track, not the tenure or research track. It is an open rank Academic Professional Track (non tenure) appointment with the faculty title of Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Associate Professor, or Clinical Professor. Academic rank is based on qualifications and experience and is determined through the College's faculty review process.

The College is seeking a leader, not a researcher. Success in this role is measured by the strength of the team, the quality of teaching, and student success, not by grant funding or a research program. Candidates do not need an established research portfolio or external funding history. Scholarship is expected to center on teaching and practice, such as pedagogy, simulation, and program outcomes.

YEAR ONE PRIORITIES

Faculty development. Mentor and develop faculty who are early in their academic careers, with a focus on teaching effectiveness, classroom management, and student readiness for licensure.

Team building. Build a strong, cohesive team at the McAllen site and create an environment where faculty welcome the leader in the classroom as a source of support.

Academic consistency. Ensure the McAllen site delivers the College's shared curriculum with fidelity, while respecting faculty freedom in how they teach.

Recruitment and relationships. Lead student and faculty recruitment and build trusted, long term relationships with nursing leaders and health systems across the Valley.

Connector to the main campus. Link regional partners to College researchers, honors students, and DNP students seeking quality improvement projects, so the campus benefits from the College's research strengths without the Assistant Dean carrying a research program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day to day leadership and a visible onsite presence for the McAllen nursing campus
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the BSN program in collaboration with the Associate Dean, College leaders, and faculty
• Supervise, mentor, and develop faculty and staff, conduct annual reviews, and support individual professional development
• Assign teaching workload and provide faculty development in curriculum, assessment, evaluation, and pedagogy
• Partner on student recruitment, admissions, retention, program completion, and licensure success
• Monitor program outcomes including NCLEX pass rates, completion rates, and employment rates
• Support reporting for CCNE, the Texas Board of Nursing, and the Texas A&M System
• Serve as an ambassador for Texas A&M Nursing in the Rio Grande Valley and build relationships with students, healthcare organizations, and the community
• Coordinate closely with College leadership in Bryan College Station and serve on the College of Nursing Executive Council
• Teach in the undergraduate program, including classroom, clinical, and simulation settings
• Contribute scholarship focused on teaching and practice, such as presentations or publications on pedagogy, simulation, and program outcomes, along with service to the College and the profession

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Doctoral degree in nursing, or a doctorate in another field with a master's degree in nursing
• Three years of related professional experience in academic nursing education or three years in hospital nursing leadership and management
• Current Registered Nurse license in Texas or eligibility for licensure
• Organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to lead collaboratively

Preferred

• PhD in Nursing
• Six years of related professional experience in academic nursing education, including five years as a full time faculty member in a college or university with a traditional BSN program
• Experience with nursing education accreditation and regulatory compliance
• Leadership in curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation
• Knowledge of the Rio Grande Valley and bilingual English and Spanish ability are preferred but not required
• A research portfolio or history of external funding is not required

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an experienced nurse educator and clinical track academic leader who is energized by building something new, and who finds more reward in developing faculty and students than in running a research program. This person is a patient, approachable mentor who leads by teaching and supporting. They are a team builder who takes initiative and solves problems while staying closely aligned with College leadership and the shared curriculum. They communicate clearly, build trust with faculty, students, and community partners, and are committed to the Rio Grande Valley over the long term.

LIVING IN McALLEN

McAllen sits at the heart of the Rio Grande Valley in deep South Texas. It is a true metropolitan area with every major amenity. The McAllen, Edinburg, and Mission metro is home to nearly 900,000 residents, and the binational region that includes Reynosa, Mexico, is home to more than two million people. The Valley is known for its warm, bilingual culture, strong regional identity, excellent restaurants and shopping, and a young, growing population.

McAllen offers one of the lowest costs of living among Texas metros, with housing costs well below the national average. Healthcare is a major part of the regional economy, and the area is home to more hospitals and healthcare organizations than the Bryan College Station area. McAllen International Airport is minutes from the city center.

BENEFITS

Texas A&M offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement programs, employee wellness and assistance programs, paid leave, and professional development resources. Relocation assistance is available.

TO APPLY

Korn Ferry will begin reviewing candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. A letter of interest and resume should be sent in confidence to julian.rives@kornferry.com.

SE: 510822317