12/28/07

H. Garland Hershey, Jr, DDS, a professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, was among nine of the school’s faculty members to become the first recipients of the Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dean John N. Williams and Janet Guthmiller, DDS, associate dean for academic affairs, established the award to recognize dental school faculty who have demonstrated excellence in teaching. Department chairs nominate faculty members for the award, and those honored receive a one-time stipend of $1,500 toward teaching and professional-development activities.

Department chairs consider the effectiveness of individual instruction, which is broadly defined as classroom, preclinical, and laboratory mentoring of students, as well as clinical teaching and teaching in extramural and community-based programs. The award will be presented on a yearly basis.

"When our faculty members invest fully in the academic lives of their students, they are investing in the advancement of oral health," said Williams. "As is the case throughout campus, our faculty members strive for excellence in their teaching responsibilities. I hope this honor will further inspire our faculty members and demonstrate our gratitude for their commitment."

In addition to Hershey, this year’s recipients were:

• Matt Hopfensperger, DDS, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Prosthodontics;
• William C. Murdock, DDS, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences and General Dentistry;
• Vickie P. Overman, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Dental Ecology, for dental hygiene education;
• David W. Paquette, DDS, associate professor in the Department of Periodontology;
• Glenn J. Reside, DDS, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery;
• Allen D. Samuelson, DDS, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Dental Ecology, for DDS education;
• William F. Vann, Jr, DDS, a distinguished professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry; and
• Al Wilder, DDS, a professor in the Department of Operative Dentistry.