Georgia State University (GSU) and the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions invite nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. GSU is the largest urban university in the state and is located in the heart of Atlanta within blocks of some of the finest healthcare facilities in the nation. The Department of Physical Therapy is a leader in research and education in the allied health professions. The Department’s mission is “to prepare doctors of physical therapy who are committed to clinical excellence, professional distinction, and the pursuit of scholarly activities that contribute to the body of scientific and clinical knowledge.” Rising into the upper echelon of U.S. physical therapy educational programs, this 49 year-old, fully CAPTE accredited program seeks a proven scholar and academic leader with active research involvement, who can manage the existing educational, research, service, and clinical programs. The Chair will foster innovation and collaboration within a faculty comprised of nationally recognized teachers and clinicians, many of whom are deeply involved in clinical research on topics ranging from the basic, such as the functional relationship between bone and muscle, to the futuristic, like the use of robotics and virtual reality in enhancing rehabilitation.

GSU is the first public institution in Georgia to confer the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and per year it enrolls three cohorts, each with 44 students, with diverse backgrounds, majors and interests. The Department provides an environment that supports and fosters the development of a focused, productive, and high-quality research program for its ten full-time and part-time faculty members, and deeply involves students in the discovery process.  Students are provided exceptional learning opportunities, whether on campus or at one of more than 200 affiliated clinical sites within the metro Atlanta area and across the country. Emeritus faculty, clinical adjunct faculty, and part-time instructors also enrich clinical and academic instruction. Student researchers have the opportunity to present their findings at local, state, and national meetings, contributing to the body of knowledge as well as enhancing their own understanding and scholarship.  The effectiveness of this immersive approach is reflected in a 100% graduation rate and, more importantly, successful licensure of graduates over the last three years of 97% to 100%. Faculty of the Physical Therapy Department collaborate with renowned experts in the Atlanta metro area and throughout the nation conducting research on projects that have been funded by the Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the American Association of Retired Persons.  The Department’s grant-supported research programs include collaboration with the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Business, and the Neuroscience Institute at GSU, in addition to Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Grady Hospital.

The successful candidate will be a visionary who can lead and enhance the education, research, and service mission through effective communication and collaboration.  A history of progressively responsible positions in academic leadership and management is most desirable, including experience in departmental budgeting and resource allocation, as well as in hiring, developing, and supervising faculty. A student-centric approach to education, a thirst for continued personal academic achievement, and a willingness to collaborate with fundraising efforts are required.  Qualifications include a PhD or equivalent, physical therapy licensure or eligibility to be licensed in Georgia, and experience in teaching, research, and practice.  Qualified candidates may be considered for tenure at the Associate Professor or Full Professor rank. 

Georgia State University: Over 100 years old, Georgia State University, with more than 53,000 students, continues to be recognized as one of the most diverse and growing universities in the nation.  Located in downtown Atlanta, 15 minutes from the world’s busiest airport, GSU is mere blocks from the State Capitol, near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Cancer Society, and across from the largest public health hospital in the Southeast. GSU has over 50 nationally and internationally ranked programs. The Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions is one of ten colleges that constitute the dynamic and innovative Georgia State University. The Lewis School houses undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, nutrition, healthcare informatics, occupational therapy, and respiratory therapy as well as the program in physical therapy.  Interdisciplinary professional education is a strong component of the College.

Nominations and Applications: To apply, please submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae to Savannah Stephens, hiring manager, sstephens8@gsu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, application must be received by November 1, 2017.

Georgia State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action university and accommodates individuals with disabilities.  All applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.  Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.