Nominations and applications are being sought for a director of academic programs for Penn State's World Campus. Elizabeth Hawthorne, who served as the first director of academic programs, recently left the University to assume a leadership role in a private online teaching company in Singapore.
The director of academic programs reports to the associate vice president for distance education and works with academic departments across the University to develop certificate and degree programs for the World Campus as well as for independent learning and other distance education programs. The position is the senior director within the World Campus and is second-in-charge of the Department of Distance Education. This is an academic administrator position within Outreach and Cooperative Extension.
The director will coordinate with University academic units and oversee the development and ongoing enhancement of World Campus and distance education programs. Specific responsibilities include developing and supervising annual budgets for the various programs offered by the World Campus; managing the work of an associate director, World Campus program managers, and other staff; and coordinating with support units within Distance Education and O&CE to ensure the most effective delivery and support of programs. The director has primary responsibility for faculty development and meets regularly with faculty involved in DE/World Campus programs.
Successful candidates will hold an earned doctorate and have experience in a senior faculty position. Prior academic and budgeting administrative experience is required. Direct experience in teaching at a distance or developing/supervising curricula delivered at a distance will be highly valued. Professional experience in leading complex teams and a commitment to the ideals of distance education and outreach are also highly desired.
Nominations and applications should be sent to Annette Woytowich, Outreach and Cooperative Extension human resources, Box 8, Rider Building, University Park, Pa. 16801. Fax: (814) 865-7145. Gary Miller, associate vice president for distance education and executive director of the World Campus, will appoint a search and screening committee. Review of candidates will begin Feb. 14 and continue until a successful candidate is named. The Department of Distance Education/World Campus is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.