Job Description for the Principal Faculty Member Department of Physician Assistant Studies - Charlotte position. Review job description, requirements, and qualifications. Apply or register interest for the position.

Elon University, renowned as a model for engaged learning, invites applications and nominations for a Principal Faculty position in the new Elon Charlotte Physician Assistant Studies Program. This position will join the Founding Chair/Program Director, Medical Director, Program Assistant and the two inaugural principal faculty in the developing Physician Assistant (PA) program based in Charlotte.

Elon University is seeking a full-time principal faculty member to join the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at our Charlotte campus. This individual will play a vital role in preparing for program accreditation, refining and implementing the established curriculum, and developing essential student and community resources for our inaugural class. The successful candidate will also engage in building and sustaining community partnerships that support both student learning and the broader mission of the program.

In addition to these responsibilities, the faculty member will teach across the didactic and clinical phases of the curriculum and continue to support accreditation, curricular, and partnership processes once the program launches. The curriculum is planned as a 24-month program, including a 12-month didactic phase followed by a 12-month clinical phase. The program is seeking independent accreditation, separate from the existing PA program at Elon. The initial provisional accreditation process with the Accreditation Review Commission for the Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), is underway, with the goal of launching the inaugural class in January 2027.

This PA program is housed within Elon University’s School of Health Sciences (SHS), which currently includes an existing Department of Physician Assistant Studies program established in 2012 as well as a Doctor of Physical Therapy program established in 1998, and Department of Nursing program established in 2021 that are based in Elon, NC.

Principal program faculty report directly to the Founding Chair/Program Director. This position is tenure-track eligible. The compensation offered will be commensurate with qualifications and include an excellent benefits package and generous retirement plan.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development of the program and contribute to accreditation by ARC-PA.
• Direct academic courses
  • Coordinate the sequencing and delivery of content within assigned courses in the didactic and clinical year.
  • Coordinate the implementation of student evaluation within these courses.
• Serve as lecturer, lab instructor, small group facilitator, and evaluator in assigned didactic and clinical phase courses; lecture in other courses according to subject matter expertise.
• Demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching while proactively addressing the evolving needs of the program and its students.
• Establish and foster relationships with clinical partners and preceptors to support student training.
• Participate in recruitment activities and represent the program at community events.
• Assist with other departmental responsibilities such as proctoring exams, grading OSCEs, interviewing admissions candidates, etc.
• Serve as Scholarly Project advisor.
• Advise and provide academic counseling for students in both the academic and clinical phases.
• Serve on departmental, School of Health Sciences, and University committees as elected or appointed.
• Maintain a record of ongoing scholarly activity and faculty development.
• Engage in admissions activities.
• Assist with program self-assessment and improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in physician assistant studies or equivalent professional/educational experience in a healthcare discipline.
• Prior teaching experience in higher education or health professions education strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated clinical experience (minimum of three years strongly preferred).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, learning management systems (LMS), ExamSoft, Exxat, VH Dissector, and related educational technology.
• Proficiency with general office technology (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration, innovation, and supporting student success.

This is a full time 12-month faculty rank position. Faculty have the option to engage in clinical work or scholarship one day a week.

About Elon University:

Elon University is the nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture. With a deliberate emphasis on exceptional teaching and experiential learning, students engage with mentors and peers who bridge the gap between knowledge and its transformative impact.

This North Carolina university was recently honored to be ranked among the top universities in the nation by US News & World Report, receiving a #1 ranking for undergraduate teaching and a #13 ranking for "most innovative" University.

The University is comprised of six schools that serve a selective student body of over 7,000. Elon is one of only seven private universities in the country with accredited schools of business, communications, education, law, and health sciences, plus a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. 

About Charlotte, North Carolina:

Charlotte is one of the 20 largest cities in the U.S. and the largest city in North Carolina. Home to over 900,000 residents, it offers a vibrant blend of Southern charm and urban appeal, with a strong focus on housing development, community safety, efficient transportation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The city hosts more than 10 Fortune 1000 companies, such as Bank of America, Lowe’s, and Duke Energy, making it a major financial and business hub.

Residents enjoy a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and the historic Uptown district. Sports fans can enjoy the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Charlotte FC, or visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Outdoor enthusiasts have access to the U.S. National Whitewater Center and extensive greenways and parks. With its diverse job market, affordable cost of living, and variety of amenities, Charlotte is an attractive city for professionals and families alike.

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the principal faculty position at Elon University-Charlotte should be directed in confidence to Lavette Shirley: lshirley4@elon.edu

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, entered as part of the application process. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by November 14, 2025, will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and will be rolling until filled. We strongly encourage candidates with experience engaging diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment to highlight these contributions in their cover letter. The anticipated start date is January 2026.

Elon University is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body and welcomes all applicants.