Search Announced for Adams School of Dentistry’s Ninth Dean
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has announced the search for next dean of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry.
News of the search beginning was shared with the school community on Friday, September 24. The committee will be asked to have the school’s ninth dean in place by January 1, 2022. The University expects to charge the committee next week.
“The Adams School of Dentistry is one of UNC’s priceless gems,” Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz said. “And the University is committed to its continued success and distinction.”
Currently, the school is under the leadership of Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, who began her appointment as interim dean on January 15, 2021. During her tenure, Byerley helped the Adams School of Dentistry return to full patient volume following the pandemic, oversaw the launch of the new ACT curriculum, advanced a master affiliation agreement with UNC Health, and led the dental school through a full return to in-person learning in August.
In alignment with the University’s timeline for a new permanent dean, she has accepted an appointment as the new president and dean, executive vice president and chief academic officer of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) in Scranton, Penn., effective January 1, 2022.
“The Adams School of Dentistry is an incredible place and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the wonderful staff, faculty, students and alumni in my time as interim dean,” said Byerley. “As much as I may be tempted to stay longer, I know that interim leadership is inherently unstable, and this globally leading dental school deserves a compassionate leader and oral health expert who can offer that stability.”
“I’m honored to be joining GCSOM as the new president and dean. I’m eager to serve and work closely with students, staff, researchers and faculty to further the success of the Geisinger, and I will always carry a part of Carolina with me.”
As the search committee begins its work to identify the next dean, there will be opportunities for the school community to provide feedback. More information will be forthcoming.
