Description

DEAN OF THE KOSAIR FOR KIDS COLLEGE OF HEALTH & NATURAL SCIENCES

SPALDING UNIVERSITY

Spalding University seeks an experienced and proven academic leader for the position of Dean of the Kosair for Kids College of Health & Natural Sciences. This is a transformative opportunity for an innovative and collaborative leader to shape a newly realigned and interdisciplinary academic unit dedicated to excellence in health and science education.

For additional information please see the full profile at the link below:

https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/SpaldingUniv-Dean-KidsCollegeHealth-FINAL.pdf

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Situated in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, Spalding University combines a rich social justice history and a commitment to community service as we attract students who desire a high-quality education in a very personalized setting. An engaged faculty serves students at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, providing real-world learning in liberal and professional studies.

     Since 1814, Spalding has been serving its students and the Louisville community in the tradition of its founders, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, with a spirit of service, inclusiveness, and compassion.

     Spalding University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award more than 65 degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist’s, and doctoral levels. Offering six doctoral-level programs with a significant research component, Spalding has been recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a doctoral research university.

     This fall, Spalding achieved an all-time high in graduate enrollment, with the largest incoming class in its history. The momentum continues at the undergraduate level, with our strongest undergraduate enrollment since 2019, and a remarkable year-over-year surge in new undergraduate enrollment of over 25%. Together, these milestones add up to a thriving university community of 1,560 students, a powerful sign of Spalding’s continued growth and impact.

     With a focus on service and leadership, Spalding offers all students a mission-driven connection to community and comprehensive learning resources while striking a distinctive balance serving the educational needs of both the traditional student and the working student. In addition, our unique 8-week class delivery format affords students scheduling flexibility amidst other life responsibilities.

     Spalding aspires to become the first choice for students of compassion and service.  Celebrated for a rigorous yet nurturing environment, emulated for interdisciplinary collaborations, and acclaimed for contributions to the community.

Our Mission

Spalding University is a diverse community of learners, dedicated to meeting the needs of the times, in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.

Values

Diverse Community of Learners: Spalding University welcomes participation within this inclusive learning environment which promotes the acceptance and appreciation of the values and unique life experiences of each individual.

Dedicated to Meeting the Needs of the Times: Since 1814 Spalding University has been, and continues to be, a community committed to providing curricula and programs that address evolving needs and to contributing knowledge and understanding derived from teaching, scholarship, and creative activity.

Quality Undergraduate and Graduate Liberal and Professional Studies: Spalding University provides a stimulating educational atmosphere, personal student/faculty interaction, and individual attention to a student’s total learning. Throughout the educational experience, students practice habits of mind, or ways of knowing, that transcend disciplines and cultures, and realize habits of heart that relate to understanding and judgment of life.

Grounded in Spiritual Values: Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the Spalding University community embraces individuals of all traditions, encouraging them to live from a personal philosophy centered in a value system beyond self.

Service and the Promotion of Peace and Justice: Spalding University serves human needs by challenging, encouraging, and supporting members of its community to exercise leadership in applying their learning to the fundamental needs of human life--physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual--in whatever social or professional context they may find themselves. All are encouraged to recognize moral, social, economic, political, and environmental issues, and to engage actively in the promotion of a just and peaceful world.

THE KOSAIR FOR KIDS COLLEGE OF HEALTH & NATURAL SCIENCES

The Kosair for Kids College of Health & Natural Sciences is home to the following academic units:

• Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy
• Kosair for Kids School of Physical Therapy
• School of Athletic Training
• School of Health & Natural Sciences (Newly Formed)
• School of Nursing
• School of Psychology

May 31, 2013, Spalding University announced its health sciences building will be named the Kosair Charities College of Health & Natural Sciences. This designation honors the Kosair Charities’ and Spalding’s continued support of outreach and history of educating health practitioners. Earlier this year, Kosair Charities gave a $3.3 million donation to the university to further enhance the health and natural science education program.

     With a robust portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs—including four doctoral degrees—the College offers a strong foundation in clinical excellence, scientific innovation, and holistic approaches to health and well-being. It is uniquely positioned to lead in addressing complex societal challenges through interprofessional collaboration.

     Additionally, the strong foundation in clinical education, scientific inquiry, and community engagement, the College prepares students to become leaders in healthcare, science, and human services.

     With its 50,000 square foot facility, renovated in 2007, the college is outfitted with state-of-the-art classrooms and simulation lab space equipped to provide hands-on learning across the health sciences. The administration and faculty offices are located on the first floor as well as an 80-seat tiered classroom, a student lounge, several smart classrooms, and computer labs. The second-floor houses close to 5,000 square feet of instructional and simulation labs as well as additional space for biology, physics, anatomy, and chemistry labs and classrooms.     

     May 12, 2023, Spalding University celebrated the opening of the Kosair Charities School of Physical Therapy and Center for Inter-professional Education, the on-campus building for its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program located in the Kosair for Kids College of Health & Natural Science.

     The Kosair Charities School of Physical Therapy and Center for Inter-professional Education will house Spalding’s Doctorate in Physical Therapy program, the most recent addition to its healthcare education programs. This 22,000 square foot building at 961 South Third Street, formerly the V. V. Cooke Chevrolet dealership, was designed special for the DPT’s hybrid program, with state-of-the-art laboratories and an abundance of student space.

     The renovation of this new building, one of the largest capital projects in Spalding history, was made possible in part by the generous support of local community organizations including the Gheens Foundation, the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana, and Kosair for Kids, for which the building and School of Physical Therapy are named. The gift from Kosair for Kids represents one of the single largest gifts to the University. Schmidt Associates was the architecture partner and Schaefer Construction was the general contractor for the project. The completion of the building in late 2022 transformed a block of South Third Street into a health professions education corridor, with programs in Occupational Therapy and Athletic Training housed in the Kosair Charities School of Health & Natural Sciences building at Third and Breckinridge Streets, and the Schools of Nursing and Social Work housed in the Republic Bank Academic Center at Third and Kentucky Streets.

     In addition to the entry-level DPT Program, the School of Physical Therapy will offer a post-professional DPT Program for physical therapists who do not hold a DPT degree as well as a residency and fellowship in pediatric physical therapy. The residency and fellowship will meet a need for physical therapists with specialty training and board certification in pediatric physical therapy.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Kosair for Kids College of Health & Natural Sciences Dean will play a central role in advancing a dynamic academic environment that fosters interprofessional education, cross-disciplinary research, and community-engaged learning. The College is committed to preparing the next generation of practitioners, scholars, and change agents in the health and natural sciences. This position is a pivotal and forward-looking opportunity for an inclusive, visionary, and collaborative leader to guide a newly realigned, interdisciplinary college that integrates health, science, and service to society. The position will report to the Provost and will join an interdependent team including: Dean, College of Education, Business & Professional Studies; Dean, College of Social Sciences & Humanities, Dean, Student & Academic Success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all academic, administrative, and operational functions of the College.
• Support faculty recruitment, development, retention, and scholarly engagement.
• Foster collaboration among the six distinct schools while promoting a shared vision for innovation and excellence.
• Advance accreditation, assessment, and programmatic excellence across all health and science disciplines.
• Promote student success, clinical partnerships, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• Cultivate external relationships with healthcare systems, research institutions, nonprofits, and community stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, allocate resources strategically, and support fundraising and grant initiatives.
• Champion interprofessional education in all aspects of the College’s mission and operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned doctorate in a health sciences, natural sciences, or related field represented within the College
• At least 5 years of progressive academic leadership experience (e.g., department chair, associate dean, or dean)
• A record of academic and scholarly achievement sufficient to qualify for a tenured faculty appointment
• Demonstrated experience with clinical or healthcare education, program accreditation, and external partnership development
• A strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style and commitment to shared governance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in launching or restructuring academic units or interdisciplinary programs
• Demonstrated success in building clinical and community partnerships
• Knowledge of current trends in health care, behavioral health, and science education
• Experience with fundraising, grants management, or philanthropic engagement
• Strong communication and team-building skills

DR. ANNE KENWORTHY, PRESIDENT

The eleventh president of Spalding University, Dr. Anne Kenworthy is a visionary leader recognized for advancing student access and success through faith-based education. Dr. Kenworthy is dedicated to fostering the academic achievements and spiritual growth of Spalding’s diverse and inclusive community of learners, in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, to meet the most pressing needs of our time. A trailblazer in higher education executive leadership, Dr. Kenworthy has pioneered strategic initiatives that spur academic innovation, institutional expansion and the cultivation of Catholic values.

     Prior to joining Spalding, Dr. Kenworthy served as the Vice President of Enrollment Services, Marketing Communications, and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Findlay (UF) in Findlay, Ohio, where she successfully increased enrollment revenue, expanded international student recruitment and served as a key member of the transition team for the acquisition of Bluffton University. Before joining UF, she held several leadership roles at Christian Brothers University (CBU) in Memphis, Tennessee, including Associate Vice President for Donor Relations, Academic Dean for the adult undergraduate program and Vice President for Enrollment, where she set enrollment records. Additionally, Dr. Kenworthy served as Vice President of Advancement and Planning at Crichton College and contributed to K-12 mathematics teacher development at the University of Memphis.

     Dr. Kenworthy’s extensive experience in enrollment management, fundraising and community collaboration is complemented by her exceptional strategic planning skills. Her leadership has consistently prioritized partnerships and programs to increase outreach, access, enrollment and retention for underrepresented populations. Her work in higher education has secured over $20 million in donations and grants for scholarships and programming support.

     An active community champion, Dr. Kenworthy served as an executive mentor to the executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hancock County and as a board member for the Findlay YMCA. She is also a sought-after speaker on topics related to strategic enrollment, college access, student success, women’s leadership and victims’ rights.

     Dr. Kenworthy holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from the University of Memphis, a Master of Business Administration from Christian Brothers University and a Fundraising Management Certificate from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Outside of work, she enjoys tennis, fly fishing and spending time with her daughter, Brooke, a graduate student.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Louisville, Kentucky, rich in history, was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark at the Falls of the Ohio River, initially as a portage point for river travel. Named for King Louis XVI of France in appreciation for his assistance during the Revolutionary War, Louisville’s initial growth was slow. The advent of the steamboat in the early 1800s sparked booming industrial development, and by 1830 Louisville had secured its place as the largest city in Kentucky.

     During the Civil War, Louisville was an important Union base of operations and a major military supply center. In the postwar era, the city emerged even more prosperous than before, with merchant princes and manufacturers shaping the new economy. Owing to its strategic location at the Falls of the Ohio, Louisville was a major commercial center. River transportation was supplemented by the construction of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, which was chartered in 1850 and operated more than 1,800 miles of line in the state by 1920. Joseph E. Seagram and Sons opened the world’s largest distillery in Louisville following the repeal of prohibition. Thanks to companies such as Dupont, the city became the world’s largest producer of synthetic rubber during World War II.

     Louisville was also a city of firsts. In the reform-minded progressive era of the 1880’s the city was the first in the nation to introduce the secret ballot, significantly reducing vote fraud. It was the first city in Kentucky to adopt zoning and planning measures to control and shape urban growth. Home to the first bridge designed exclusively for motor vehicles to cross the Ohio River, Louisville was also the birthplace of Mary Millicent Miller, the first woman in the United States to receive a steamboat master’s license.

     The city has been home to a number of men and women who changed the face of American history. President Zachary Taylor was reared in surrounding Jefferson County, and two U.S. Supreme Court Justices, including Louis D. Brandeis, the first Jewish Justice, were from the city proper. John James Audubon was a local shopkeeper in the early years of his career, drawing birds in his spare time. Second Lt. F. Scott Fitzgerald, stationed at Camp Zachary Taylor during World War I, was a frequent presence at the bar in the famous Seelbach Hotel, immortalized in the novel The Great Gatsby. Muhammad Ali, perhaps the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, was born in Louisville and won six Golden Glove tournaments in Kentucky.

APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications

All application packets must include the following:

1)     A letter of application that includes the candidate’s (a) interest in and qualifications for the position, (b) leadership philosophy, and (c) vision for The Kosair for Kids College of Health & Natural Sciences.

2)     Current curriculum vitae

3)     Unofficial transcripts of all degrees and certificates earned (Official transcripts will be required of finalists.)

4)     At least four references with full contact information including e-mail (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)

Submit application materials online, preferably as PDFs. Additional information is requested with the submission of materials. For best consideration, complete applications should be received before December 22, 2025.

Nominations

Submit nominations with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Consultant

Spalding University has retained Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting to assist the Search Committee in its identification and review of Dean of the Kosair for Kids College of Health & Natural Sciences candidates. Jennifer Barfield, Executive Vice President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is the lead consultant for this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at JenniferBarfield@myersmcrae.com.

Spalding University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University complies with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws. It is the University’s policy not to discriminate against any individual or group of individuals and to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, veteran status or other protected status. Equal Employment Opportunity means treating all similarly situated persons equitably in terms of employment opportunity and other personnel actions.