Campus News

The Office of Academic Affairs is excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking Nursing Department Chair to join our dedicated team beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year!

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Science, Math, and Nursing, the Chair of Nursing will provide visionary leadership of the Nursing Department. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of higher education administration and a passion for strategic planning, budgeting, and curriculum development. The Chair will work with college stakeholders to ensure program and student outcomes are of the highest standards, as well as develop a strategic plan for growth and expansion of the existing BSN program and development of new programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in nursing (MSN); preference given to candidates with a Ph.D. or a terminal degree in Nursing.
• Minimum of two years of clinical experience.
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State of Illinois or eligible for Illinois licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Experience:

• Proven experience in higher education administration, preferably in a leadership or management role with the ability to manage complex academic programs.
• A track record of leadership and vision, with the ability to lead, inspire, and motivate faculty, staff, and students to achieve their best.
• Experience in program accreditation to ensure continuing accreditation and compliance with state regulatory requirements.
• Experience in higher education teaching, with a focus on developing and implementing innovative and rigorous curricula.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management, with a focus on allocating resources effectively.
• Experience in program recruitment, admission, and retention efforts.
• Commitment to strategic planning, with the ability to develop and implement comprehensive plans to support the university’s goals and objectives.
• A passion for student success, with a focus on promoting academic achievement and personal growth with a diverse student population.

Setting:

Rockford University is a small liberal arts institution with curriculum grounded in the liberal arts that are complemented and extended by professional and practical experience.  The Nursing program is one of our prime examples of integrating the liberal arts and professional/practical experience. Our Nursing program collaborates with the local medical centers (OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, UW Health System in Rockford, and Mercy Health Hospitals – Riverside Campus).

To Apply 

Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Please submit a cover letter including salary requirements, C.V. (demonstrating evidence of leadership, teaching effectiveness and scholarly potential), transcripts (official upon hire), list of three professional references to: HumanResources@Rockford.edu. 

At Rockford University we are committed to the principle of diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to building a well-rounded workforce and community.  We are especially interested in candidates who through their professional experience bring contributions to diversity and excellence in the work they do.