Principal Faculty Member
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Charlotte, NC
Elon University, renowned as a model for engaged learning, in partnership with the national search firm, Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for two inaugural Principal Faculty positions in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. These positions will join the Founding Chair/Program Director and Medical Director in the new Physician Assistant (PA) program based in Charlotte.
The university is seeking full-time, experienced faculty members to contribute to curriculum development, participate in the accreditation process, and to teach in both the didactic and clinical phases of the curriculum of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. The curriculum is planned for 24 months with 12-month didactic and 12-month clinical phases. This program is seeking independent accreditation, separate from the existing PA program at Elon. The initial provisional accreditation process with the Accreditation Review Commission for the Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), is underway, with the goal of launching the inaugural class in January 2027.
This PA program is housed within Elon University’s School of Health Sciences (SHS), which currently includes an existing Department of Physician Assistant Studies program established in 2012 as well as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program established in 1998, and Department of Nursing program established in 2021 that are based in Elon, NC.
Principal program faculty report directly to the Founding Chair/Program Director. This position is tenure-track eligible. The compensation offered will be commensurate with qualifications and include an excellent benefits package and generous retirement plan.
Responsibilities:
• Assist in the development of the program and contribute to accreditation by ARC-PA.
• Direct academic courses
o Coordinate the sequencing and delivery of content within assigned courses in the didactic and clinical year.
o Coordinate the implementation of student evaluation within these courses.
• Serve as lecturer, lab instructor, small group facilitator and evaluator in assigned didactic and clinical phase courses. Lecture in other courses according to subject matter expertise.
• Demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching while proactively addressing the evolving needs of the program and its students
• Assist with other departmental responsibilities such as proctoring exams, grading OSCEs, interviewing admissions candidates, etc.
• Serve as Master’s Project advisor.
• Advise and provide academic counseling for students in academic and clinical phases.
• Serve on departmental, School of Health Science, and University committees as elected or appointed.
• Maintain a record of ongoing scholarly activity and faculty development.
• Engage in admissions activities.
• Assist with program self-assessment and improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Director.
Qualifications:
• Terminal degree in PA studies
• Current certification by the NCCPA
• Eligibility for North Carolina state licensure
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with educational and office technology (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)
• Minimum of three years of clinical experience required; teaching experience strongly preferred
This is a full time 12-month faculty rank position. Faculty have the option to engage in clinical work or scholarship one day a week.
About Elon University:
Elon University is the nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture. With a deliberate emphasis on exceptional teaching and experiential learning, students engage with mentors and peers who bridge the gap between knowledge and its transformative impact..
This North Carolina university was recently honored to be ranked among the top universities in the nation by US News & World Report, receiving a #1 ranking for undergraduate teaching and a #13 ranking for "most innovative" University.
The University is comprised of six schools that serve a selective student body of over 7,000. Elon is one of only seven private universities in the country with accredited schools of business, communications, education, law, and health sciences, plus a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.
About Charlotte, North Carolina:
Charlotte is one of the 20 largest cities in the U.S. and the largest city in North Carolina. Home to over 900,000 residents, it offers a vibrant blend of Southern charm and urban appeal, with a strong focus on housing development, community safety, efficient transportation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The city hosts more than 10 Fortune 1000 companies, such as Bank of America, Lowe’s, and Duke Energy, making it a major financial and business hub.
Residents enjoy a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and the historic Uptown district. Sports fans can enjoy the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Charlotte FC, or visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Outdoor enthusiasts have access to the U.S. National Whitewater Center and extensive greenways and parks. With its diverse job market, affordable cost of living, and variety of amenities, Charlotte is an attractive city for professionals and families alike.
Application and Nomination Process:
All correspondence relating to an inaugural principal faculty position at Elon University-Charlotte should be directed in confidence to the University’s Executive Search Consultant:
Lea Johnson, EdD, RN, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
lea@scotthealy.com
518-338-4003
A complete application should include the following:
1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position,
2. Updated CV,
3. List of three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received before March 21, 2025 will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and will be rolling until filled. We strongly encourage candidates with experience engaging diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment to highlight these contributions in their cover letter. The anticipated start date is August 2025.
Elon University is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body and welcomes all applicants.