Ann Arbor, MI — January 30, 2012 — University of Michigan Provost Philip Hanlon has announced he is seeking help from School of Dentistry faculty, staff, alumni, and students in creating a committee that will search for a successor to Dr. Peter Polverini.  Earlier this month Polverini announced that he would not seek a third term as Dean of the School of Dentistry when his term ends August 31, 2013.

In announcing the first step in the search for a new dean, Hanlon commended Polverini for his contributions.  “During his tenure, Dean Polverini has been a champion for the scientific foundation of dental practice and education, leading the School to achieve an impressive record of research funding,” Hanlon wrote.  He added, “the School has thrived over the past ten years has consistently ranked in the top five in the receipt of research awards from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.”  Most recent figures, for the federal government’s 2011 fiscal year, show the School of Dentistry ranked first among dental schools nationwide receiving $11.27 million in grants from NIDCR.

Hanlon is asking those associated with the School of Dentistry for the names of individuals to be considered for the search advisory committee.   The committee “will be large enough to be broadly representative, yet small enough to be effective,” he wrote.  The committee will be asked to “search broadly and submit a slate of unranked recommended candidates.”

Saying he will soon meet with the School’s Executive Committee to discuss the search process, Hanlon is also asking for input on key issues the School will face during the next five to ten years.