Chair of Speech Pathology & Audiology

University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of Speech Pathology & Audiology. This is a tenure-track 12-month faculty position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

The ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate a track record of excellence in education; a desire to expand research opportunities; a dedication to interprofessional collaboration; previous experience in the advancement of higher education curriculum to meet the highest professional standards; and enthusiasm for service to the department, college, and university. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong leadership skills to empower and lead a team of speech-language pathologists and audiologists; foster collaboration within and outside the department; advance strategies that will help to advance the department in all areas, including but not limited to research, teaching, and clinic; communicate with all stakeholders; and commit to integrity and professionalism in practice. Alignment with the core values of University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) is a must: people are our strength, we serve with integrity, we innovate and improve, and we succeed with trust and respect.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Dean, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine (UNR Med), the Chair of Speech Pathology and Audiology is the administrative, academic, and clinical leader of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. The chair provides leadership in all facets of the department's clinical, teaching and research missions. The Chair is responsible for the administration and management of the Department, including:

• Creating a vision for the growth of the Speech Pathology & Audiology department at UNR, as well as how to optimize and grow the clinical operations/capacity of the department.
• Administration of faculty including activities related to faculty recruitment, retention, supervision/evaluation, promotion, mentoring and career development.
• Development and enhancement of the research activities of faculty and learners within the department.
• Enhancing the presence of the department in the committees and subcommittees of the School of Medicine and UNR;
• Working collaboratively in a dyadic structure with the Senior Director, Operations and Administration to facilitate proper and effective utilization of resources; short and long-term financial viability of the department; operation of the department clinics; compliance with all UNR Med, UNR, and NSHE (Nevada System of Higher Education) policies and governmental regulations; development and implementation of short term and long-term strategic goals for the department; maximizing accountability of clinical and academic time of faculty; reviewing all department grant applications and providing oversight of grant activities; and compliance and safety activities and requirements.

• Relationship building and maintenance between the university-based speech and hearing clinic (a partnership with University Health, operated by Renown Health) and community partners; oversite of clinical education operations and training sites for graduate and undergraduate students; representing the department in any negotiations.

• Partner with the Clinical Director for the purpose of coordinating aspects of the comprehensive university-based speech and hearing clinic.
• Coordination with other UNR Med units including human resources, legal, faculty, undergraduate, and graduate medical education offices.
• Monitoring the academic programs to ensure compliance with UNR and Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).

Qualifications:

• Research degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP, CCC-A)
• Eligibility for Nevada licensure through the State of Nevada Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensing Board.
• Administrative experience in personnel, financial, and operations management, including oversight and development of department strategic goals & initiatives, educational oversight of undergraduate and graduate programs, clinical practice development and oversight, oversight of department's research mission for faculty and students.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, clinical education, service.
• Evidence of a commitment to culturally responsive practices in diverse and inclusive contexts and communities.
• Committed to applying current best-practices to teaching, clinical education, and research
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

About University of Nevada, Reno:

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), founded in 1874, is celebrating its 150th anniversary as a leading institution in higher education. As a land-grant university in the State of Nevada, it boasts the prestigious R1 Carnegie Classification for its outstanding research contributions. UNR is home to 13 colleges and schools, offering 560+ academic programs and supporting 60+ research centers and facilities. With a total budget exceeding $270 million and an enrollment of over 20,000 students, the university plays a significant role in the region’s educational and economic development. Conveniently located near Lake Tahoe and within a short drive of the San Francisco Bay Area, UNR combines academic excellence with access to world-class recreation and cultural opportunities.

About University of Nevada, Reno Benefits

Remarkable Retirement

The Chair will be automatically enrolled in the generous retirement program of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) unless they are members of PERS of Nevada. Our retirement plan includes a 17.50% contribution match by the University and vesting occurs on day one.

Perks of Working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance
• Generous annual and sick leave, life insurance – Faculty Benefits
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.  E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center
• Reno is proud to be a university town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders.
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.
• Several Diversity Committees and Affinity Groups focusing on campus-wide diversity initiatives to ensure we are working to create a diverse and welcoming campus climate. Diversity Groups
• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. Faculty Senate
• No state income tax!

Grants-in-Aid for Faculty Employees

The University is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Dependents of faculty have unlimited credits but, in order to be eligible, children must be unmarried and under the age of 24 and must receive at least 50% of their financial support from the employee and/or employee’s spouse or domestic partner.  Faculty Grants-in-Aid

Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples’ professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provide resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Dual Career Assistance Program

About the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine and the SPA Department:

The University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine trains future physicians, researchers, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and physician assistants. The School is ranked in the top 100 schools based on research funding received by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023. We are a research-intensive, community based medical school that has served Nevada for over 50 years. As Nevada’s first integrated academic health system, UNR Med serves to enhance the health of our community through increased access to care, innovative health care delivery, expansion of clinical research and training for the next generation of physicians and health care professionals.

Nevada is a growing state with vast medical needs, including the demand for well-trained speech-language pathologists, and the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, with its 51-year history of excellence, continues to train future speech-language pathologists and audiologists to meet this demand. The UNR speech pathology and audiology department (UNR-SPA) aims to fill the gap by preparing students to become exceptional clinicians by cultivating an interactive learning environment that promotes critical thinking through the introduction to scientific rigor. UNR-SPA offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs. The graduate program is CAA-accredited. The department offers a comprehensive university-based speech and hearing clinic in partnership with University Health, as operated by Renown Health. The department provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of individuals of all ages in our region. In addition, we offer specialty clinical experiences in cleft palate, autism, language, literacy, aphasia, swallowing, and voice. The department's full-time faculty work together to support each other and the missions of the department and university with culturally responsive practices.

In the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools, UNR Med earned a top 25 spot out of nearly 170 medical schools with over $186,000 in grant funding per full-time faculty member. Select research grants awarded to UNR community include the prestigious Katz Award of $2.3 million to advance innovations in cardiovascular science, $291,000 from the American Cancer Society to support research on effects of cancer on microcirculation, and the $379,000 NIH Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases R21 Grant to research chronic fatigue syndrome and the gut microbiome.

About the Community:

Reno, Nevada, often called “The Biggest Little City in the World,” is a vibrant and growing community known for its mix of entertainment, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity. Nestled near the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno offers year-round activities, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and kayaking in summer. The city boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, bustling casinos, and annual events like the Reno Air Races and Hot August Nights. Beyond entertainment, Reno’s economy is on the rise, with strong job growth in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, making it an attractive place for professionals and families. Affordable housing compared to nearby California, a mild four-season climate, and no state income tax are additional perks. With its friendly community, excellent dining options, and proximity to Lake Tahoe, Reno strikes a perfect balance between work, play, and quality of life.

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Chair of Speech Pathology & Audiology at University of Nevada, Reno, should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Christopher Healy, President

Scott Healy & Associates

chris@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
4. Brief statement (one page maximum) about how you would contribute toward the UNR mission of creating a culturally inclusive environment in this role. Please also highlight contributions you have made to this goal in your previous role(s).

Applications received by April 18, 2025, will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education, health care, and research. We are an inclusive and engaged community and recognize the value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age, disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, or religion.