The University of Pikeville seeks an experienced, visionary leader to serve as its Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and Curriculum (ADCEC) in the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). The (ADCEC) is responsible for developing and refining the clinical educational experiences for students of the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). The ADCEC insures that KYCO clinics and all remote clinical sites are providing the appropriate educational experiences required of the students of KYCO. The Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and Curriculum advises the Dean on all improvements and enhancements of the clinical education at KYCO. The ADCEC ensures that clinical rubrics are maintained, updated, scheduled and completed appropriately for all clinical experiences. The ADCEC shall look for innovative ways to add to the student’s clinical experiences through adjustments to the curriculum or other opportunities. The ADECE will remain focused on ensuring that all KYCO clinics operate within the guidelines of all accrediting and funding agencies (University, Federal, State and Local). The ADCEC supervises the Director of Externship Program and is the responsible party for interactions between the College and all external clinical training sites.

Responsibilities: 

• Serve on the Administrative Team.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the EPCC.
• Supervise the Director of Externship Programs.
• Supervise the Director of Residencies and oversee the accreditation of all KYCO-affiliated residencies.
• Consult with the Associate Dean for Clinics and Expanded Therapeutics in the development of new clinical programs.
• Development of the clinical education curriculum in collaboration with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Clinics & Expanded Therapeutics, and Director of Externship Programs.
• Keep the Administrative Team informed of legal issues, educational trends, and curriculum development throughout the year.
• Develop clinical education materials for all clinical faculty.
• Maintain a working knowledge of associated health professions, including Ophthalmology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Neurology.
• Develop clinical curriculum that maximizes the student experience while maintaining appropriate clinical faculty workloads.
• Initiate quality assurance concepts with quality assurance committees at training sites.
• Keep current with emerging trends in clinical education and curriculum development.
• Arrange and conduct regular meetings of clinical educators to ensure the best student experience.
• Meet regularly with the Dean to present clinical faculty ideas and concerns.
• Communicate executive, educational, and administrative goals, objectives, policies and procedures, and concerns to clinical faculty.
• Educate students on the importance of diverse clinical experience.
• Assist students in maintaining clinical curriculum requirements during absences, public health crises, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Develop students personally and professionally throughout their clinical optometric education.
• Schedule student clinic rotations and coordinate make-up work and leaves with the Director of Externship Programs in accordance with KYCO and UPIKE policies.
• Approve curricular adjustments for students throughout their training.
• Arrange and conduct meetings with students at key points during their clinical education at KYCO.
• Review and revise clinical expectation for clinical faculty and students annually.

Requirements: 

• Minimum Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.).
• Residency training OR a minimum three years relevant clinical experience is preferred.
• Optometrist applicants should be eligible for licensure in the state of Kentucky and are expected to participate in patient care services.
• Applicants must have excellent organizational, communication, teaching and decision-making skills.
• Prior college teaching experience is strongly preferred. 

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: 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 06/08/2026 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. Interested applicants should complete the online application and 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.

About University of Pikeville

Founded in 1889 by Presbyterians, the University of Pikeville is committed to offering a broad liberal arts and sciences education. This foundation provides opportunities for students to develop their full academic and personal potential and prepare for specific careers. "At Pikeville, it's all about the students and our dedicated faculty and staff provide the strong foundation that makes this institution work and grow. Our professors have a passion for learning and scholarship that is key to our students' success. Equally important is the commitment of our dedicated staff, who work hard to make the student experience a positive one," said Chancellor Paul Patton. The University of Pikeville is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. 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. This policy applies to all areas such as hiring, promoting, transferring, training and development, as well as compensation and benefits. The Administrat...ion of this College is dedicated to carrying out this policy, and will continue to inform any recruiting sources used now or in the future, including the various State Employment Services, of our non-discrimination policy and our commitment to equal opportunity. The University of Pikeville is located in Pikeville, a vibrant community in East Kentucky. Pikeville is one of the state's leading financial centers and has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Small Towns" in America. The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. The University's program for the associate degree in Nursing is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and programs in Teacher Education are approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. The KY College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. The American Council for Optometric Education has granted the Kentucky College of Optometry the pre-accreditation classification of "Preliminary Approval." The University of Pikeville is the 22nd school in the country to have a college of optometry. The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is the leading higher education institution of Central Appalachia, maintaining a commitment to Christian principles and respecting a variety of religious expressions. Students may earn either associate or baccalaureate degrees in a variety of majors with a liberal arts and science foundation; master's degrees may be earned in Business Administration (MBA) and Education (MA); and doctoral degrees may be earned in osteopathic medicine (DO) and optometry (OD). Degrees offered : A.S., B.A., B.S., B.B.A., B.S.N., M.A., M.B.A., D.O., and O.D. A low student-to-faculty ratio (16:1) allows professors to know students' names, ambitions and career goals. Total enrollment is about 1,834 students from 42 states and 24 countries, including approximately 1127 undergraduate students and 707 graduate students. Each year, over 98% of Pikeville College students receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. Undergraduate: $19,600 for tuition, $8,866 for room/board, and $1,250 for textbooks. KYCOM: $42,975 for tuition. At no additional cost, KYCOM provides its students an OPP table, white coat and scrub suit, diagnostic equipment (stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, etc.), computing resources, and all required textbooks. KYCO: $38,450 for tuition. At no additional cost, KYCO provides its students all required ophthalmic and medical equipment in addition to the use of an iPad and laptop computer, as well as all required texts. There are 25 campus clubs and groups including academic, service and leadership societies in which students can become involved. NAIA Division I, Region XI, Mid-South Conference Sports include co-ed cheer, men's baseball, basketball, bowling, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field; women's basketball, bowling, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball, track and field. Other sports include: archery, dance and e-sports. The facilities are constantly being updated as the University grows and changes. Recent renovations included the Wickham dormitory, the University of Pikeville South Housing Facility, the Coal Building and the Health Professions Education Building. The nine-story Coal Building was constructed alongside the college's historic 99 steps. The new facility includes two lecture halls, a gross anatomy lab, two research labs, offices, small group classrooms and student study space. Also, a clinical skills training and evaluation center houses 12 specially-equipped examination rooms and serve as training and testing centers for students in programs using standardized patients and high-fidelity robotic patient simulators. The expanded osteopathic manipulative medicine lab and clinic provides learning opportunities, as well as housing KYCOM's free community clinic. The newly constructed Health Professions Education Building is a 103,000-square-foot building which will house the Kentucky College of Optometry. Technology and clinical training aspects of the facility will also enhance the learning experience for students in the Elizabeth Akers Elliott School of Nursing, a program initially founded in the early 1980s to meet the needs of nursing education and health care in the region. Adjacent to Record Memorial Building, the facility is part of the university's strategic efforts to increase educational opportunities for students, stimulate economic development and improve comprehensive health care needs in Central Appalachia.

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