Assistant Dean for Academic Innovation and Assessment

The Assistant Dean for Academic Innovation and Assessment (ADAIA) plays a key leadership role in advancing academic excellence at the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). This position is responsible for enhancing the didactic curriculum, guiding assessment strategies, and fostering instructional innovation to improve student learning and performance, particularly on NBEO board examinations. The ADAIA works closely with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO), Dean of Students, and faculty to support strategic academic initiatives and data-informed curricular development. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead the continuous improvement of the didactic curriculum with a focus on alignment to program competencies and NBEO success. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of effective formative and summative assessments across the curriculum.
• Supervise the Assessment Coordinator and ensure consistency and rigor in evaluating student learning and course effectiveness.
• Promote mastery-based learning and evidence-based instructional design. 

Faculty Support and Development:

• Serve as a key resource to faculty in curriculum design, assessment practices, and instructional strategies.
• Facilitate workshops and peer collaboration focused on improving teaching effectiveness and assessment literacy.
• Ensure consistency in syllabus design, course structure, and rubric development in alignment with academic standards. 
• Collaborate with IT and instructional support staff to pilot and evaluate emerging academic technologies. 

Educational Technology and AI Integration:

• Lead initiatives to incorporate educational technologies and AI-driven tools that enhance instruction, student engagement, and assessment. 
• Support faculty in exploring and implementing innovative, technology-enhanced teaching methods.

Strategic Academic Planning:

• Partner with the CAO and Dean of Students to identify and implement curricular enhancements that support student success and timely progression.
• Use academic performance data and assessment outcomes to recommend targeted interventions and program-level improvements.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of relevant academic committees (e.g., EPCC, ASC). 

Qualifications:

• A Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.) with a minimum of five years of experience in health professions education; advanced training in education, assessment, or instructional technology preferred.
• Optometrist applicants must be eligible for licensure in the state of Kentucky with expanded therapeutics certification and are expected to participate in patient care services.  
• Demonstrated success in curriculum development, educational innovation, and outcomes based assessment.
• Familiarity with NBEO exam structure and contemporary trends in health professions education.
• Experience with AI tools and educational technology in instructional settings. 

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, copies of their transcripts, and the contact information for three to five professional references.