Update on Dean Search from Dr. Kellermann
Dear School of Dentistry colleagues,
We are rapidly approaching the final stages of the search process. The excellence and strength of your school attracted the strongest field of applicants in recent memory. That is a testament to your hard work and the school’s leadership. The search committee carefully vetted this list and following a thoughtful and objective process, advanced four candidates for on-campus visits. Those took place over the past two months. Many of you participated in their talks, met with them or otherwise provided input. All of it was taken into consideration by the search committee, synthesized and shared with me. I am grateful for the leadership of the committee chair, Dean Joseph DiPiro, and the members of the committee, for bringing us to this point.
Based on the collective input, we are bringing two outside candidates – Dr. Lyndon Cooper and Dr. Andre Ritter, back for additional meetings with potential research collaborators, key stakeholders and other university leaders. In contrast to the last visits, these meetings will be less public but no less important. Regardless of the outcome of this phase of the process, Dr. Clara Spatafore will continue to serve as interim dean until the new dean is in place. She has my full confidence and support.
The future of the School of Dentistry is bright. I am grateful for your commitment to the school, the profession of dentistry and its mission of teaching, research and service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Sincerely,
Art
Art Kellermann, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor and Senior Vice President for VCU Health Sciences
Chief Executive Officer of VCU Health System