| Position Title: |
Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs |
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| Location: |
Big Rapids (Main Campus) |
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| Department: |
36000 - Optometry Deans Office
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| Advertised Salary: |
$155,000 - $165,000; Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements. |
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Benefits:
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Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
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| FLSA: |
Exempt |
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| Temporary/Continuing: |
Continuing |
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| Part-Time/Full-Time: |
Full-Time |
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| Union Group: |
N/A |
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| Term of Position: |
12 Month |
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| At Will/Just Cause: |
At Will |
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| Summary of Position: |
• The Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs (ADASA) serves as Chief Academic Officer (COA), directing and coordinating all academic and student-related functions at Michigan College of Optometry (MCO).
• The ADASA provides leadership to ensure compliance with all accreditation standards related to academic affairs and student services.
• Specific responsibilities related to academic affairs include oversight of the curriculum, assessment of programmatic outcomes, setting faculty and student schedules, organizing disciplinary actions, developing policy letters, and maintaining faculty and student handbooks.
• Specific responsibilities related to student services include overseeing recruitment, admissions, student advising, development and analysis of key metrics that assess student success, well-being, and belonging.
• On behalf of the students in the Doctor of Optometry program, the ADASA will coordinate student interactions with the University registrar, financial aid office, graduation office, and other offices. The ADASA will provide leadership in awarding scholarships and awards, maintenance of student records, support of student organizations, and graduation of all students enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry and Bachelor of Vision Science degree programs.
• The ADASA is expected to establish and maintain a collaborative work environment with College and University faculty, staff, and administration, and College committees.
• The ADASA assumes the responsibilities and authority of the Dean of MCO when the Dean is unavailable.
• Limited clinical and instructional responsibilities may be assigned as determined to be appropriate based on expertise and academic background.
• Pursuit of research/scholarly activities is encouraged.
• The anticipated start date of this position is January of 2026. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed. |
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| Position Type: |
Staff |
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| Required Education: |
• A doctor of optometry degree (O.D.) from an ACOE-accredited institution or a clinical equivalent (i.e. MD, DO) |
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| Required Work Experience: |
• Demonstrated work experience in a related position, with strong preference given to those with leadership experience.
• Solid understanding of the profession of optometry and its place in the United States healthcare system.
• Must possess comprehensive administrative skills including communication, human resource supervision, and budget management.
• Higher Education experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and involvement in professional organizations. |
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| Required Licenses and Certifications: |
• At the time of appointment, the applicant must have or be eligible to obtain a Michigan optometry license with TPA/DPA certification, or the medical license equivalent. This status must be maintained for the duration of employment. |
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| Physical Demands: |
- Office Environment
- Bending
- Moving
- Sitting
- Driving
- Standing
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| Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: |
• Graduate degree in another field related to academic affairs and/or student affairs.
• Ability to effectively use technology and academic, admissions, and assessment databases.
• Knowledge of various andrological techniques currently employed in higher education.
• Experience in policy creation and implementation.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in higher education academic affairs and/or student services in optometry, medicine, or a related field, is highly preferred.
• Experience in student advising and counseling/working with optometry or pre-optometry students in advising activities is highly preferred. |
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| Essential Duties/Responsibilities: |
• Report directly to the Dean of MCO.
• Serve as the College's Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and Student Affairs Officer (SAO).
• Serve as the College liaison to the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) Chief Academic Officers and Student Affairs Officers committees, and the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS).
• Make decisions consistent with and guided by the FSU and MCO missions, visions, and strategic plans.
• Oversee curriculum, academic programs, assessment, recruitment, admissions, orientation, retention, co-curricular, and progression programs/initiatives throughout the College.
• Ensure the effective performance of all administrative activities within MCO associated with assigned areas of oversight, according to applicable University policies, and state and federal requirements.
• Coordinate staff engaged in College academic and student support services.
• Provide oversight for the Coordinator of Student Recruitment and work with the MCO Admissions Committee to ensure robust recruitment of candidates for the Doctor of Optometry program.
• Work with the MCO Curriculum Committee and the Assistant Dean for Clinical Education to maintain and update a comprehensive and competitive Doctor of Optometry curriculum.
• Directly manage the co-curricular elements of the Doctor of Optometry program.
• Work with the MCO Admissions and Curriculum Committees to maintain the Bachelor of Science in Vision Science program.
• Develop new certificate and degree programs, when needed.
• Provide limited clinical services, as needed, to support instructional and clinical operations.
• Develop faculty workload and schedules and student course schedules for the academic year.
• Work with the MCO Assessment Committee and FSU Office of Institutional Research to develop relevant reports related to curricular outcomes, programmatic outcomes, and student academic progress, to inform data-driven decision-making.
• Work with the Dean to perform data analysis and reporting.
• Provide academic information to the Dean for the creation of the Dean’s List and Academic Honors List.
• Prepare assessment of goals and outcomes data for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accreditation Council in Optometric Education (ACOE), and the FSU Academic Program Review Committee.
• Ensure College student support activities and advising are appropriate and consistent.
• Oversee compliance with FERPA requirements and guidelines to maintain confidentiality of designated academic and student records and information.
• Oversee compliance of Federal Equal Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Act policies within the College and work directly with the University Disability and Accessibility Resource Center (DARC).
• Work directly with students to ensure they have access to appropriate University resources, including academic support, tutoring, accommodations, and counseling.
• Coordinate, participate in, create, support, and direct recruitment initiatives and activities.
• Provide administrative guidance to the MCO Academic Review Committee and the Dean to coordinate the College’s response to student dismissals, appeals, and readmissions processes.
• Provide academic guidance to students when warranted (e.g.: advising related to specific situations such as dismissal, appeals, and readmissions).
• Ensure due process for all parties in cases of academic and non-academic misconduct.
• Ensure proper oversight of all registered student organizations (RSO) and compliance with pertinent standards.
• Sit as an ex officio member of the MCO Executive Committee, Student-Administration Council, and Faculty-Administration Committee, and the Academic Review, Admissions, Strategic Planning, and Assessment Committees.
• Serve on University committees including but not limited to the Academic Leadership Council.
• Coordinate with University departments to include; Academic Affairs, EIO, Student Affairs, Student Financial Services, Financial Aid, Office of International Education, and Admissions.
• Represent the College at assigned conferences, meetings, and professional organizations.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Operate university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities.
• Serve in the capacity of Dean when the Dean is unavailable.
• Oversee processes related to admission standards, enrollment, dismissal, and graduation.
• Certify graduating students have met all eligibility requirements for all College degree programs.
• Maintain an official complaint log as required by accreditation standards and report regularly to the Dean concerning student complaints.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. |
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| Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: |
• Travel as needed, including overnight and weekend assignments.
• Other duties, as assigned.
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| Skills and Abilities: |
• Effectively communicate complex topics in an organized and effective manner.
• Develop and implement effective policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Recognize problems, develop effective solutions, and maintain a high level of accuracy.
• Effectively manage projects and processes to achieve administrative efficiencies.
• Analyze trends and appropriately communicate observations to colleagues.
• Be an advocate for students to the faculty, staff, and administration of the College and University. |
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| Required Documents: |
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcript 1
- Certification/License
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| Optional Documents: |
Unofficial Transcript 2 |
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
• Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, or a similar terminal medical degree (i.e.: M.D., O.D.) as described in the Required Education section. Transcript must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
• License (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of Michigan optometry license with TPA/DPA certification, or the medical license equivalent, or proof of ability to obtain license by date of appointment, as described in the Required Licenses and Certifications section.
• Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Attach a copy of unofficial transcript of second degree Graduate degree in another field related to academic affairs and/or student affairs, if applicable as described in Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered section. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY: Applications should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin immediately. Harris Search Associates is assisting Ferris State University for this search. Please contact Eric Christ, Senior Consultant (eric@HarrisSearch.com, cell: 614-800-9974) for further details. Phone: 614-798-8500. |
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Initial Application Review Date:
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October 17, 2025 |
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| Open Until Position is Filled?: |
Yes |
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Posting Close Date:
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| EEO Statement: |
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. |
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