Overview
Farmingdale State College, a nationally ranked college on a trajectory of growth and improvement, has begun the search for the next Dean of the Theresa Patnode School of Health Sciences. The College seeks a creative, innovative leader with organizational and administrative skills who shows an openness to new ideas and demonstrates exceptional communication skills, tact, and diplomacy.
The Position: The Theresa Patnode School of Health Sciences (SHS) is home to four academic departments which offer ten academic programs including one associate in applied science degree program, six bachelor of science degree programs, two degree completion programs, and Farmingdale State College’s second graduate degree program in Nursing Administration as well as the Dental Hygiene Care Center. The Dean of SHS sets the vision and direction for the School and provides leadership in curriculum development, faculty recruitment and development, and student recruitment and retention while ensuring that the standards for specialized accreditations are met. The Dean works collaboratively with the academic administration team under the supervision of the Provost and acts as the official channel for communication regarding all matters pertinent to the functioning of the SHS. Additionally, the Dean directs all instructional programs and staff and provides direction and leadership in the initiation, development, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of programs within the School. The Dean works with the Office of Development and Philanthropy to identify, cultivate, and solicit non-state, private resources for the School. The Dean supervises the recruitment and selection of all new faculty and staff according to established College procedures. In consultation with the Provost, the Dean also establishes and monitors all budget allocations to academic departments and offices within the School.
The Institution: Farmingdale State College, founded in 1912 and located in the heart of Long Island, is one of the fastest-growing colleges in the region and in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Farmingdale State College is a thriving institution with robust enrollment, expanding academic programs, new and renovated infrastructure, and excellent student outcomes. With nearly 10,000 students, 801 faculty, and 637 staff, Farmingdale is the largest college of applied science and technology in the SUNY system with a focus on STEM education and equipping students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills sought by contemporary employers. Through its Schools of Business, Health Sciences, Engineering Technology, and Arts and Sciences, the College offers 38 undergraduate degree programs and a Master of Science degree in Technology Management program. Farmingdale is enjoying unprecedented success in introducing new, distinctive programs of study with excellent employment opportunities. About 90% of graduates are employed or attending graduate schools within six months of completing their degrees. The vast majority of those students are working in positions related to their discipline. The Nexus Center for Applied Learning and Career Development is a pioneer in aligning student internships with career goals, the needs of leading regional and national firms, and the mission of the College.
Farmingdale is an increasingly selective institution with over 60% of incoming students identifying the College as their first choice. The College’s faculty includes 16 SUNY Distinguished Professors and 71 recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. An extremely successful NCAA Division III athletics program features some of the region’s best facilities. Farmingdale has one of the most diverse student populations within the SUNY system. Its program mix, remarkable outcomes, attractive 380-acre campus, and central location on Long Island have made Farmingdale State College one of the fastestgrowing institutions in the nation. Farmingdale is widely considered a top educational value. A SUNY and regional leader in return on investment, the College ranks in the top 24% of Forbes’ “Best Value Colleges” and is recognized among the top 20% of the College Factual’s “Best Colleges for the Money.” Recently, Farmingdale was ranked among America’s 50 Most Transformational Colleges by Money.com based on graduation rates, earnings, and student loan repayment. More information about Farmingdale State College can be found at www.farmingdale.edu.
Qualifications: The successful candidate will possess the capacity to develop and lead a strategic vision for the School of Health Sciences. The new Dean will have experience with shared governance and specialized accreditation. The Dean will also have demonstrated success working with a team to achieve institutional goals. They will possess good interpersonal, management, and conflict resolution skills. All candidates must have a record of scholarly publications, professional eligibility for tenure at the fullprofessor level, and an earned doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution in a health science or related discipline or a doctoral degree in education with experience in a health science profession or related field of study. A minimum of four years of administrative experience in the role of academic department chair, assistant dean, associate dean, or a position with similar leadership opportunities and growth is required.
Location: Farmingdale State College is located on 380 lush acres in the center of Long Island, situated in Farmingdale, NY, with access to MacArthur Airport and a Long Island Railroad station just a few minutes away. The LIRR provides its riders ready access to three of New York City’s five boroughs including Manhattan. Long Island also has more than 200 miles of coastline, with dozens of beaches, boardwalks, and parks available to the public. Bethpage State Park, less than five miles from the College, provides easy access to outdoor recreation, including tennis courts, bridle paths, hiking and biking trails, and five worldclass golf courses. Long Island has a vibrant and very active business community, with numerous software companies, specialized manufacturers, and major national and international corporate headquarters such as Henry Schein, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Systemax, Verint, and Canon all within reach. Scientific research plays a significant role in the economy of the Island also, including research facilities at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, not to mention labs at several prestigious local colleges.
Salary: $160,000 and may increase commensurate with experience.
Application: Interested candidates should submit only a cover letter and resume to RPA Inc. at FarmingdaleHealthSciences@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please contact Dana John Cohick, President, or Kira Heath, Search Manager, at the email address above. The review of candidates will begin on March 22, 2024, and first-round interviews will commence thereafter.
Farmingdale State College seeks a broad and diverse pool of candidates for this position. The College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status or any other legally protected status.
