Department Chair

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Department Chair, Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies

The College of Health at the University of Utah, a Carnegie classified doctoral university, invites applications and nominations for the position of chair of the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies. This position is eligible for appointment with tenure at the rank of full professor. The College seeks a visionary, progressive, and collaborative leader who will capitalize on a long history of successful academic accomplishments and implement a scalable, integrated vision into the future.

Responsibilities of the chair include:
1. Provide visionary leadership by setting and executing the department's strategic direction in alignment with the mission of the College of Health and the University of Utah.
2. Foster excellence in teaching, research, clinical practice, and mentorship while supporting faculty, staff, and students in achieving their professional goals.
3. Drive growth in the department's research enterprise and extramural funding portfolio, with a focus on significantly increasing research expenditures over the next five years.
4. Manage departmental resources effectively, including budget oversight, recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty and staff, and development of a leadership pipeline for future administrative roles.
5. Advance innovative program development and impactful scholarship, expanding interprofessional education and clinical opportunities both locally and globally.
6. Promote visibility and engagement by leading strategic marketing and communication efforts, strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, and enhancing connections with students, alumni, and partners.
7. Encourage collaboration across the University of Utah to enhance interdisciplinary practice, research, and educational initiatives.
8. Contribute to university, college, and community service consistent with the responsibilities of a senior academic leader.

Candidates must have a terminal degree with related research and teaching experience commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor and department chair. Applicants should also have strong evidence of academic administrative leadership and peer recognition as an accomplished scholar in Occupational Therapy, Recreational Therapy, or related field of study. The strongest candidates will have experience securing and managing externally funded, multi-person research programs and an established record of leadership.

Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies
As a part of the College of Health, the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies offers two degrees in Recreational Therapy, Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS), and two entry-level degrees in Occupational Therapy, Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). In addition, department faculty contribute to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Rehabilitation Sciences through the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, by teaching and mentoring doctoral students.

The BS degree in Recreational Therapy prepares students for National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) eligibility and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification-the minimum credential for Utah licensure as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS). The MS in Recreational Therapy includes (1) a pathway for students seeking initial CTRS certification and (2) an advanced pathway for certified practitioners to qualify for MTRS licensure. Our dual entry Occupational Therapy program gives students the option to pursue either an MOT or OTD as entry into the profession.

Our Mission
The Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies' mission is to discover and transmit knowledge through research, education and service relevant to occupational therapy and recreational therapy. Our research emphasizes the promotion of health and participation in valued life activities using an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for a diverse group of students to participate in a high quality, transformative educational experience. We prepare innovative OT and RT practitioners and scholars who provide evidence-based service. Our scholarly, educational, service and clinical activities meet unique needs of our communities.

College of Health
The University of Utah's College of Health is leading the transformation in health care from primarily caring for the sick to empowering people to be healthy, active, and resilient through proactive, preventive, and rehabilitative care. Through innovative research and by preparing the next generation of practitioners, the College is on a mission to add more years to our life and life to those years.

The College aims to promote a climate of respect and equity that cultivates and sustains transformative practices by forging spaces of possibility where people feel safe, valued, welcomed, and respected. These ideals are intrinsic to collaborative partnerships and our commitment to the health professions workforce.

The College includes the Departments of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health & Kinesiology, Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, Occupational and Recreational Therapies, and Physical Therapy and Athletic Training.

University of Utah Health
University of Utah Health is an economic engine unlike any other in Utah. With more than 14,000 faculty and staff, it is one of the state's largest employers and contributes millions of dollars in net tax revenue to Utah every year. But University of Utah Health's impact goes beyond the balance sheet. Its bottom line includes the health and well-being of Utah residents in every corner of the state and from all walks of life.

University of Utah Health is the only university health care system in the state of Utah and provides patient care for the people of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and much of Nevada. It is also the training ground for most of Utah's physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, other health care professionals, and for the next generation of researchers and scientists.

University of Utah Health comprises the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Health, College of Nursing, School of Dentistry, and the Spencer S. Eccles Health Science Library.

University of Utah
Located in metropolitan Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, the University of Utah is the state's flagship research institution and emphasizes exceptional scholarship, quality teaching, and professional service. The university serves over 35,000 students from across the U.S. and the world with over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law and medicine.

The University of Utah encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation, and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty, and business leaders. Salt Lake City is a vibrant, major metropolitan area, with a diverse, multicultural population of approximately one million residents, as well as numerous cultural and outdoor activities. This location offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, with ten world-class ski resorts and five national parks within hours of the city. Patients treated at University of Utah Health Sciences Center travel from all areas of Utah and from the five nearby states of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada and Arizona, resulting in one of the largest geographic catchment areas of any academic medical center in the United States. The Salt Lake City International Airport includes a Delta Airlines hub, with direct flights to most U.S. cities and direct international flights to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Mexico City. The Salt Lake City metropolitan area received international recognition for its new light rail system, foodie culture, downtown renewal, and increasing inclusiveness.

Community
In Utah you can truly have it all. Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas offer newcomers diverse neighborhoods, great schools, arts and entertainment, and endless possibilities for sports and recreation. These qualities, along with a strong economy, make Utah a perfect choice to call home.

Salt Lake City is a beautiful city of 250,000 in a major metropolitan area of 1.5 million, nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. Utah's great outdoors are close by, offering activities from world class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in the spectacular canyons surrounding the city. The city is cosmopolitan with easy access to theater, the arts, sports, entertainment and nightlife. Downtown Salt Lake City and the University are accessible by light rail to the suburbs. Salt Lake City has been consistently rated as one of the best cities in the United States to live and work.

Please apply online: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/188999

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025 and will continue until
the position is filled.

Inquiries or requests for information may be sent to:
K. Bo Foreman, PhD
Professor
Chair of Search Committee

Please attach application documents:
CV
Cover Letter
Research Statement

Why Utah?
University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.

Department: 00204 - Occupational/Recreational Therapy
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Track: Tenure Track
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Requisition Number: PRN03905F

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/189141

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:
https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

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