Assistant/Associate Dean for Student Services, School of Dentistry

Mission or Goal of Unit:

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry, located in downtown Richmond, Virginia, has a rich 132-year history as the only dental school in the state. It offers a range of programs including the Doctor of Dental surgery (D.D.S), graduate specialty training, and dental hygiene. As one of the few dental schools in the U.S. affiliated with an academic medical center, VCU School of Dentistry holds the distinction of being the second oldest dental school in the country. It is part of the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus, one of five health sciences academic programs at VCU.

Chief Purpose of this position:

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry is inviting applications for a full-time faculty position as Assistant/Associate Dean for Student Services. This role is responsible for overseeing and managing all student-related programs and activities for pre-doctoral dental students and undergraduate dental hygiene students. A focus on student wellness is central to this role. Reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Dentistry, the Assistant/Associate Dean will work closely with the school's leadership, including Assistant/Associate Deans, Department Chairs, Program Directors, and collaborate with colleagues across the University and broader system.

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversee all student-related activities, including student organizations, student government initiatives, and student travel representing the School of Dentistry.
• Serve as the chief advocate and first point of contract for students, ensuring they are effectively supported at every stage of their academic journey and addressing a wide range of educational, personal, and professional challenges.
• Innovate, organize, and support activities supporting student wellness.
• Implement retention strategies to support academic progress, such as developing student mentor/mentee networks and establishing a tutoring program within the school.
• Participate in the Academic Progress Committee (APC) to monitor student progression and provide resources for academic advising.
• Manage key School of Dentistry milestone events, including Orientation, White Coat Ceremony, Senior Awards Ceremony, and Graduation.
• Oversee management of ASDA/SGC funding for over 20 student groups, including approval of new student organizations, and oversight of student elections.
• Act as liaison to the school's Financial Aid Office and other University offices dedicated to student services.
• Collaborate With University Counseling Services and Student Health to ensure appropriate wellness referrals for students.
• Supervise the Office of Student Services through direct and indirect supervision of the Student Services Specialist and other support staff.
• Represent the School of Dentistry at national forums, including the American Dental Education Association and other related professional meetings.
• Engage in teaching across traditional department boundaries and in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to an integrated curriculum that spans baccalaureate, graduate, and professional education.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced or terminal degree in related fields.
• Extensive experience in student engagement, including at least 3 years of advising or mentoring experience at the university level.
• Strong knowledge of academic and student affairs workflows, including student recruitment, admissions, and support services.
• Proven ability to effectively represent the school and build relations with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Demonstrated experience in fostering and working within a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment, or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to, advocate for, and participate in a humanistic environment of learning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• DDS/DMD degree.
• Training, degree, or experience in counseling, social work or related fields.
• Experience in working within a public university setting, preferably in a dental or medical school.

ORP Eligible: Yes