Fall Update on Faculty Hiring

In our last eNewsletter, we shared the launch of our faculty hiring process. Recruiting high-quality faculty will drive excellence in our academic program. We recognize faculty’s critical role in shaping our school’s future and enhancing the overall experience for our students and community.

To guide our process, we have developed a comprehensive hiring plan. The purpose of this hiring plan is to:

• Strengthen Academic Excellence: At the heart of any successful educational institution are its faculty members. By attracting highly qualified and diverse academic professionals, we aim to foster a dynamic learning environment, enriching our students’ intellectual growth and training as primary care dentists.
• Enhance Student Academic and Clinical Support: A dedicated and skilled staff is vital in providing unparalleled support and guidance to our students. By recruiting highly qualified staff, we can better address the unique needs of our diverse student population and ensure their success throughout their academic journey.
• Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Embracing diversity is central to our values as an institution. Through this hiring plan, we will actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that our faculty and staff reflect the rich tapestry of cultures and ideas that our school and university celebrate.
• Align with Strategic Goals and Mission: This hiring plan is strategically aligned with our school’s broader objectives, as outlined in our Strategic Compass (see attachment). By recruiting faculty and staff members who share our values and vision, we aim to establish a positive culture and achieve our long-term goals.

We launched the process in September, holding our first faculty information session for Yakima area dentists on the PNWU campus. Dr. Panagakos provided the session. He held an additional in-person session in Tacoma on October 11 and will be in Pasco on October 24. He will also hold a virtual information session on October 26. These sessions will provide the following information:

• An overview of the SDM Mission, Vision, and Values and how our hiring process will seek out individuals that align and embrace them.
• An overview of the academic program
• Faculty position descriptions for positions at the Yakima campus and the local community clinics
• Academic rank calculation (based on clinical practice and teaching experience), salary, and benefit information
• Review of a sample position description
• Hiring schedule
• Application process
• HR Onboarding process
• SDM Onboarding and Calibration Process
• Answer any questions

We hope you consider joining our team. If you would like to attend the upcoming Tri-Cities Information Session or the virtual session, please register as follows:

• Tri-Cities: Tuesday, October 24, 6 p.m., Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center, 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA. Register here.
• Virtual Information Session: October 26, 7 p.m.  A Zoom link will be emailed 24 hours before the session to registered attendees. Register here.

Based on the positive responses thus far, we are very optimistic about recruiting a highly talented and dedicated faculty to support our program and educate our students. In October, position descriptions and application information will be posted on the PWNU-HR site.  We will send out a notice letting you know when they are up.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND GOALS