The https://publichealth.uams.edu (COPH) of the https://www.uams.edu (UAMS) seeks a dynamic, distinguished academic leader to serve as its next Chair of the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education (HBHE). This is a unique opportunity to lead an academic department distinct for its scholarly activity, collegiality, and impact on the health of the citizens of Arkansas and beyond.

Reporting to the dean of the college, the chair works closely with other college leaders, department faculty and staff, and external partners to advance the interests of the college. Responsibilities include inclusive and visionary leadership, oversight of department operations, fostering faculty and student development, promoting health equity, leading educational innovation, ensuring operational excellence, and representing the department to internal and external constituents. The chair is expected to have expertise in health behavior and health education, research experience, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership in public health, a strong research background, and visibility in the public health and/or health promotion community. A terminal degree (Ph.D., Sc.D., or M.D.) in a relevant field is required as well as a very high level of research experience, grant writing skills, and success in obtaining external funding. The department is extremely interested in a chair who is dedicated to educational innovation, visionary leadership, fostering faculty and student development, promoting diversity and health equity, building effective collaborations, and advocating for the department.

Located in Arkansas' capital and largest city, Little Rock, UAMS is the state’s only academic health center and its largest basic and applied research institution with over $158 million in total annual research funding and internationally renowned programs in multiple myeloma, otolaryngology, aging, and cancer. UAMS combines the patient care resources of a state-of-the-art hospital and outpatient center with seven centers of excellence. Little Rock's metropolitan area has 900,000 residents who enjoy a low cost of living, a diverse community and four-season weather with warm summers and mild winters.

Faculty at the COPH provide leadership and support for several key national, state, and community health initiatives. They also undertake an array of important research initiatives relevant to the prevention and control of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses. COPH faculty have a research portfolio of over $50 million.

In the field of Health Promotion and Prevention Research, the college stands as a beacon of excellence with a dedicated Ph.D. program under the direction of the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education. This program provides extensive training in basic and applied research methodology that will allow public health scientists to serve as Principal Investigators responsible for developing an extramurally funded program of independent research. The HPPR PhD program also participates in NIH funded T32 pre- doctoral training grant.

The HBHE Department is at the forefront of research, education, and health promotion service to improve individual and population health in Arkansas and beyond. This work includes research to identify improved methods to reduce the burden of chronic disease, helping students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to develop and evaluate culturally sensitive health promotion programs, and serving the local, state, and national health system by providing public officials and other decision-makers with objective and reliable public health information.

WittKieffer is assisting the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health in this search. Review of materials will continue until an appointment has been made. For fullest consideration, applicants should provide a current CV and letter of interest by April 5, 2024. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's https://apptrkr.com/5046878. For additional information, to discuss this position further or to make nominations, please contact the WittKieffer search team at: UAMS-HBHE- Chair@wittkieffer.com.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.