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Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing

(September 14, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Dr. Tiffani Chidume, securing the role as Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning and Professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing.

Dr. Chidume joins Carolina Nursing from Auburn University College of Nursing, where she has served since 2018, most recently as Associate Clinical Professor and EAGLES Center Coordinator. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and holds advanced certifications in healthcare simulation. A nationally recognized leader in healthcare simulation and nursing education, Dr. Chidume also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). Her scholarly work includes simulation best practices, emerging technologies, virtual reality, and student readiness for clinical practice.

Dr. Chidume will lead the continued development and expansion of simulation and experiential learning throughout Carolina Nursing. Her appointment comes during a period of substantial investment and growth for the School, including the opening of the new Nursing Education Building and expanded opportunities for simulation across its academic programs. Dr. Chidume will build on Carolina Nursing’s established foundation while bringing her expertise in simulation, emerging technologies, and nursing education to the next phase of the program’s development. Dr. Chidume will build on Carolina Nursing’s established foundation while bringing her expertise in simulation, emerging technologies, and nursing education to the next phase of the program’s development.

Established in 1950, Carolina Nursing is a nationally recognized leader in nursing education, research, and clinical innovation. The school offers highly ranked BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, along with post-graduate certificate programs that prepare nurse leaders to improve health outcomes locally, nationally, and globally.  Its proximity to UNC Hospitals, one of the nation’s leading academic health systems, further strengthens opportunities for clinical education, research partnerships, and translational impact. Carolina Nursing faculty lead and contribute to a diverse portfolio of multidisciplinary research and scholarship addressing critical health challenges. The school is widely recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and innovative models of experiential learning that prepare the next generation of nursing leaders.

Affordable Excellence 

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability.

Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.