Appointments, Faculty and Staff

Executive Director of DFNC accepts position at Kenan-Flagler Business School

Paul Gardner, executive director of the Dental Foundation of North Carolina since 1998, has resigned his position and been named Associate Dean for Development and External Affairs at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

“During his five years as executive director, Paul has been an enormously successful leader of the Dental Foundation and a positive force within the UNC School of Dentistry,” Dean John Stamm said.  “Most significantly, he oversaw the planning and launching of the School’s Carolina First Campaign that now stands at more than $27 million, quickly heading toward our goal of $30 million.  He worked hard for our students by helping to create endowments that provide much-needed and growing annual student support in the form of scholarships and fellowships.  He was also effective in increasing the number of endowed professorships available for faculty in the School.  Beyond that, Paul was also a charismatic ambassador for the School and the campus in his relationships with alumni and friends.”

During the Carolina First campaign, more than 30 student aid and departmental funds, and six endowed professorship funds have been established.  More than $2 million has been pledged toward facilities, and the DFNC’s and School of Dentistry’s combined total endowment has grown to more than $20 million.

“Leaving the DFNC and the School of Dentistry was one of the most difficult decisions of my professional life,” Gardner said.  “I truly have enjoyed working with Dean Stamm, Associate Director Kelly Almond, Administrative Assistant Jennie Boone, our wonderful donors, volunteers, students, faculty, and staff.  While I’m looking forward to new challenges at KFBS, I’ll remember fondly my time at the School of Dentistry.”