Assistant Director - Student Affairs and Educational Support

The University of Pikeville is seeking a student-centered professional to serve as the Assistant Director of Educational Support within the Tanner College of Dental Medicine. This position plays an integral role in supporting the academic success, personal well-being, and overall development of students enrolled in TCDM’s innovative three-year DMD curriculum.

This position provides individualized academic support, develops and facilitates learning-enhancement initiatives, and collaborates with students, faculty, and Student Affairs colleagues to identify opportunities that promote student achievement and success. The Assistant Director also supports advising and student-success programs, contributes to student-focused programming and events, and provides resources and guidance to help students develop effective learning strategies and prepare for board examinations.

The successful candidate will be an engaged member of a dynamic, collaborative team committed to creating a supportive environment in which every student is positioned to thrive.

Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized academic support to students experiencing academic challenges and assist in developing strategies to improve course performance and board examination preparation.
• Develop and facilitate learning-enhancement workshops focused on study strategies, test-taking skills, time management, and other areas that support academic success.
• Collaborate with students and faculty to identify and implement strategies that promote successful academic performance in courses and on board examinations.
• Work with faculty and Student Affairs colleagues to monitor and support student progress throughout the curriculum.
• Assist with the coordination of educational programming and activities for undergraduate students participating in the Dental Scholars Program and Pre-Dental Club.
• Serve as a member of the Graduate and Health Professions CARE Team and respond appropriately to students experiencing academic, personal, or other concerns, providing referrals to appropriate resources when needed.
• Collaborate regularly with Graduate and Health Professions Student Affairs staff to develop and implement initiatives that promote student success and well-being.
• Serve on committees supporting orientation, graduation, and White Coat Ceremony activities and assist with event planning, coordination, and execution.
• Attend meetings of the Committee on Academic Performance and Standards (CAPS) with students as needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with University policies and applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, higher education, human resources, student affairs, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience within a college or university environment, preferably in academic advising, student affairs, academic support, student success, or a related area.
• Experience developing or implementing academic improvement strategies and support services for students experiencing academic difficulty.
• Demonstrated ability to establish positive and supportive working relationships with students and assist them in developing effective study skills, learning strategies, and academic success plans.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, administrators, and staff to promote student achievement.
• Strong organizational, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, follow established policies and procedures, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and public-relations skills.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, tact, and discretion and in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent service to students and other University constituents.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to adapt effectively to changing priorities, situations, and organizational needs.
• Proficiency with standard office technology and computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing academic support or advising within dental education, medical education, health professions education, or another professional degree program.
• Experience supporting students preparing for professional or board examinations.

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: 

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 10/06/2026 will be given priority consideration.

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, a teaching philosophy statement, and the contact information for three to five professional references.