Overview
The Joint School of Public Health (JSPH) at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia invites applications from
experienced, accomplished, and visionary individuals to serve as inaugural Chair of the Department of Health Behavior,
Policy, & Management starting in fall of 2025 or spring 2026. The Chair is expected to provide visionary leadership in
departmental education, research, and service activities in alignment with the School and University’s strategic plan.
The JSPH offers two Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited programs, the Masters of Public Health
(MPH) and the doctoral program (PhD) in Health Services Research programs. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental
Health (BSEH), Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) programs
are also part of the JSPH.
The JSPH benefits from a distinguished faculty with extensive expertise in health behavior, policy, and management. Our
professors are recognized leaders in their fields, combining rigorous academic training with practical experience in public
health practice. They bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse backgrounds, including social and behavioral sciences,
policy analysis, and health administration, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking educational experience. Their
commitment to mentoring, research, and community engagement enriches the learning environment, preparing
students to address complex health challenges with innovative solutions and effective management strategies.
The Joint School of Public Health Initiative is a collaboration between Old Dominion University (ODU) and Norfolk State
University (NSU). Its expertise and partnerships embody forward-thinking and community-responsive approaches to
public health education and outreach located at both campuses. Information regarding public health at ODU and NSU,
visit https://www.odu.edu/community-environmental-health and https://www.nsu.edu/public-health. For information
about the recent integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School into Old Dominion University to create the Macon and
Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, please visit https://www.odu.edu/article/macon-joanbrock
virginia-health-sciences-at-old-dominion-university-launches .
Required Qualifications:
1. Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Dr.P.H., or Sc.D.) in Health Behavior, Health Promotion, Health Policy, Health
Management, or related areas from an accredited program or school. Alternatively, candidates may have an M.D.
degree from an accredited program and a master’s degree from an accredited public health program or school.
2. Experience teaching and mentoring students.
3. Significant scholarly record of publications in health behavior, health promotion, health policy, health
management, health services research, or related areas.
4. Demonstrated successful acquisition and sustainability of external funding and grants, including investigator initiated
and/or unsolicited grants.
5. Prior management and administrative experience, including budget planning and management, in an academic
setting.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills and written communication.
7. Qualify for appointment at the Associate Professor or Full Professor rank with tenure at ODU.
o Specific information on ranks and tenure as per ODU faculty handbook:
https://itsapps.odu.edu/ao/facultyhandbook/index.php?page=ch02s24.html
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience as a Department Chair or other significant leadership position in an academic setting.
Familiarity with CEPH accreditation standards and processes.
The ability to promote increases in sponsored research activity among faculty.
A clear forward-thinking vision to advance the reputation and visibility of the Department, School, and
University.
Expertise across interdisciplinary areas of health behavior, health promotion, health policy, health management,
or health services research.
Track record of community engagement activities, service to community/profession, collaboration, and research.
Experience with program and curriculum development and revision.
Experience with successful student recruitment and retention.
ODU earned the Research 1 Classification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it
among the highest level of research institutions in the United States. The Carnegie Classification® has been the leading
measure of research activities at U.S. colleges and institutions for more than half a century. The University joins a group
of just 137, or 5%, of four-year research institutions with the R1 classification in the nation.
ODU is an ethnically and culturally diverse urban campus of 21,000 students located in the Hampton Roads area, which
is home to one of the world’s largest military complexes, a burgeoning technology industry, and one of the nation’s
busiest ports.
NSU, a comprehensive urban public institution, is committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching,
research and service. Offering a supportive academic and culturally diverse environment for all, the University
empowers its students to turn their aspirations into reality and achieve their full potential as well-rounded, resourceful
citizens and leaders for the 21st century.
Nearby recreational activities include the Eastern Shore, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and nearby beaches in Virginia
Beach and North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Hampton Roads is three to four hours from the Washington DC area.
How to apply: Applicants must apply at https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/21777 and submit the following documents:
1. Cover letter concisely addressing the required and preferred qualification bullets listed above.
2. Current curriculum vita.
3. Concise vision statement for department development.
4. Unofficial graduate transcripts.
5. Contact information for three (3) professional references.
Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2025 for full consideration. The position will remain open until
it is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Brian C. Martin, at
martinbc@odu.edu.
It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all
persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective
hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related
medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation,
sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals
with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
