Dean of Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Search for the Dean, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Emory University seeks a forward-thinking nurse leader to serve as Dean of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing.

Emory University is a private, Carnegie Research 1 “Very High Research Activity” institution, recognized internationally for its outstanding liberal arts colleges, graduate and professional schools, and one of the nation’s most comprehensive academic healthcare systems.

The School of Nursing is an essential part of Emory University’s mission to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity. As one of the nation’s top nursing schools, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is committed to driving discovery and educating visionary nurse leaders and scholars. Today, 1,507 students are enrolled in the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs, and nearly 12,000 alumni serve in every state and 28 countries, reflecting the School’s broad reach and impact. In the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings, the School’s undergraduate program is ranked number two nationally, underscoring its leadership in preparing the next generation of nurses. Additionally, the master’s program is ranked number one and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is ranked number eight nationwide. The School ranks third with over $18 million in NIH funding according to Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research’s fiscal year 2024 report, marking a decade of sustained excellence among the top five Nursing Schools in the nation.

This role offers an extraordinary opportunity to lead one of the nation’s preeminent nursing schools at a transformative moment in healthcare and higher education. Building on a strong legacy of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a deep commitment to social responsibility, the next Dean will shape the future of nursing research, education and practice on a national and global scale. The School’s rich ecosystem, anchored by a world-class research university, top-tier clinical partnerships, and a vibrant culture of innovation, offers an unparalleled platform for advancing the teaching, science, and practice of nursing. The ideal candidate is a nationally recognized scholar and leader whose reputation enhances the school’s visibility and credibility, and who brings a clear vision for the future of healthcare, higher education, and academic discovery. As a university leader, the Dean must be nimble and innovative, championing new technologies and models of research and education to drive growth and impact across all mission areas. The Dean will be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder, able to engage effectively with a range of constituents, strengthen academic–practice partnerships, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultivate a strong, inclusive community both within the School and across the broader university and healthcare landscape.

To fulfill accreditation requirements, the Dean will be a registered nurse with a graduate degree in nursing and an earned doctorate. The Dean must also have current or eligible RN licensure to practice nursing in Georgia and demonstrate scholarly distinction appropriate for a tenured appointment as a full professor at Emory University. Significant experience in nursing leadership, research, education, and practice is expected.

Emory University, has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. Confidential inquiries, nominations, applications, and additional information about the position and qualifications can be found at this link: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/emory-university-nell-hodgson-woodruff-school-nursing/dean

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.