Chair, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

Chair, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

Doisy College of Health Sciences

Saint Louis University

St. Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis University (SLU) seeks an experienced and knowledgeable leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy (OSOT) in the Doisy College of Health Sciences.  The oldest university west of the Mississippi River and the second-oldest Jesuit university in the nation, SLU is a private Catholic urban research university offering undergraduate and graduate programs to 13,000 students.  Founded in 1818, SLU has seen growth in academic programs, research activity, campus life, donor support, and student outcomes.  Steeped in a 500-year Ignatian tradition of spirituality, pedagogy, and intellectual inquiry, SLU values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate healthcare, and a strong commitment to faith and service. 

One of 11 colleges and schools within SLU, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers high-quality, high-demand programs that prepare graduates to succeed in the competitive healthcare sector.  The college’s distinctive approach to education, clinical care, and research emphasizes interdisciplinary and interprofessional learning and practice directed towards solving complex problems.  Student outcomes, including first time pass rates for licensure exams and employment rates, are outstanding, and there is a strong demand for the college’s graduates. One of five academic departments within the college, OSOT offers an undergraduate degree in occupational science and a master’s degree in occupational therapy and is among a small number of programs nationwide to offer a five-year early assurance program.  The department is currently in the process of planning a six-year doctoral program in occupational therapy (OTD).  OSOT employs nine tenured, tenure-track and clinical faculty and enrolls about 300 students in its five-year program.  OSOT ranks in the top 50 programs in occupational therapy in US News & World Report. 

Reporting to the Dean, the chair is responsible for the vision, leadership, and administration of the educational, research, service, and clinical practice programs in OSOT; for the department’s strategy and resource development; and for managing the faculty and staff, fiscal resources, and physical facilities of the department. The chair serves as the primary voice and advocate for the department at the college and university levels and represents the department to external accrediting agencies, the department’s clinical partners, and the professional community.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-established department that has room for growth, supported by a talented and dedicated group of faculty and staff and outstanding students who are committed to SLU’s mission. The Doisy College of Health Sciences seeks a chair for OSOT who combines exemplary academic and clinical experience with strategic leadership ability; outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative and creative energy; and ambition for promoting the success of a department whose mission is to be a center of excellence in health professions education, research, and service.  The chair must be a strong advocate for the department and demonstrate a deep resonance with the University’s Catholic, Jesuit charism, mission, values, and commitment to service.  An earned doctorate (OTD or Ph.D. in Occupational Science, Ed.D., or related field) or equivalent experience and academic qualifications that merit appointment as a full tenured professor in the department is required, together with a strong record of distinguished leadership in the field, including at least three years of successful leadership at the chair, program director, or equivalent leadership level.  Experience with occupational science and occupational justice would be highly desirable.

Screening will begin in January and continue until an appointment is made.  Nominations, inquiries, and applications (including a cover letter, CV, and the names of five references) should be directed electronically to SLUDoisyChairOSOT@divsearch.com.

Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., Senior Managing Director or Andrew Wheeler, Lead Managing Director

Holly Bowers, Vice President & Senior Associate

The Diversified Search Group

One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 3300, Philadelphia PA  19103

Saint Louis University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to providing fair treatment of all in the SLU community on the basis of merit.

For more information, visit www.slu.edu/doisy