Carlos Smith named new DEI director
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Carlos Smith as the School of Dentistry’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In this inaugural position, he will serve as a key member of my leadership team with oversight for all diversity, equity and inclusion activities that support students, residents, faculty and staff […]
New leadership role for Dr. Susie Goolsby
As Director of Student Recruitment in the school’s Admissions Department, Dr. Susie Goolsby greatly enhanced our recruitment and application success, particularly for underrepresented minority students. She served in this role while managing her ongoing appointment in the Department of General Practice. I want to thank her for her important work as she makes a new […]
Sharon Lanning named Periodontics Chair
Sharon K. Lanning, D.D.S., has been named chair of the Department of Periodontics. Prior her July 1 appointment, she served as interim chair. Dr. Lanning brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to the chair role. She has been a leader in dental education and inter-professional health sciences education. Please join me in congratulating […]
The Significance of June 19
As our nation must eliminate racial injustice and health inequity, there is no better time to look within ourselves, to pause and to learn about this important day in history. Our students say it best. I am privileged to share their voice. _____________________________________________________________________________ Today is Juneteenth! It is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, […]
A Moment of Silence
With each passing day, we learn more about the experiences of our African American students and colleagues at the hands of law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and, yes, even within the VCU School of Dentistry. Both in and out of the dental school many are met with disrespect, prejudice, and injustice — particularly our […]
Fall happenings
Welcome Mary Pettiette, D.D.S., associate dean for admissions I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Pettiette, D.D.S., as associate dean for admissions and professor of endodontics. She will begin her duties in November. I want to thank the search committee, chaired by Clara Spatafore, D.D.S., M.S., for its diligent and thorough work in conducting a […]
Never Forget. Always Respect.
On this day of 9-11 remembrance, I thought it appropriate to re-post an entry from 2016. Because every day marks an opportunity to see the world with clear and open eyes, I hope that this timeless message encourages you to reflect, refresh and respect. Posted on Nov. 8, 2016: Dear VCU School of Dentistry Community, […]
Back to School
Summer may be winding down here in River City, but at the School of Dentistry, things are in full swing for new and returning students, residents, faculty and staff. Meet the D.D.S. Class of 2022 Residency 60 Virginia residents (more than half of the class) 12 states other than Virginia 16 countries of origin other […]
March Madness Update
VCU may not have made it to the Final Four this time around, but there’s plenty to celebrate here at the School of Dentistry on the MCV Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. ADEA GIES AWARD I had the privilege of accepting a 2018 Gies Award presented at the ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition in […]
End of Year News
Though the calendar year is quickly coming to a close, I have a lot of news to share as we begin to slow down for winter break. Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Thanks to our entire team, led by Ellen Byrne, R.Ph., D.D.S., Ph.D., professor and senior associate dean, we came through the exhausting accreditation […]