January 6, 2012

Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni and Friends:

As I approach the end of my second term as dean of the School of Dentistry I am writing to let you know that I have informed Provost Hanlon that I will not seek a third term. My tenure as dean will conclude at the end of August 2013.  I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me and the School’s mission over the years; our truly exceptional faculty who lead the nation as innovators in education, research and creative scholarship; our dedicated and committed staff who manage the day to day operations; and it goes without saying, our outstanding students. I also extend my sincerest gratitude to our alumni who continue to represent what is the very best at Michigan. Their exemplary support for the Dental School has provided much needed resources to benefit students, faculty and our aging facility. 

Indeed, we have been able to bringing faculty, students, and alumni together in a community that shares a dedication to world-changing research and scholarship and outstanding education focusing on exceptional patient care. Our commitment to public service has never been more robust. The commitment of our faculty and students to providing care for those in most need throughout the State of Michigan is recognized nationally as a model of community engagement. The School’s global impact and influence on the future of dental education continues to grow and position the Dental School as an important international leader in dental education.

Serving as dean has been a great honor and privilege for me. I look forward to the coming year to see the full implementation of our new curriculum, the continued growth of our research enterprise, and the further advancement of creative scholarship that has come to be recognized as the signature value of the School of Dentistry.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Polverini, DDS, DMSc
Professor and Dean