Return to Main Menu

Sanders appointed dean of dental medicine The MUSC Board of Trustees voted unanimously on May 19 to approve the appointment of John J. “Jack” Sanders, DDS, as dean of the College of Dental Medicine, effective June 1. Sanders served as interim dean since July 1, 2004.     Dr. Jack Sanders Sanders was chosen from a pool of more than 40 candidates from many of the nation’s top schools after a national, yearlong search. Sanders replaces Richard DeChamplain, DMD, who served as dean for more than a decade until his retirement on June 30, 2004.   Sanders received his bachelor's degree in biology and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Georgetown University. He then trained in periodontics at the National Naval Dental School, where he began a 21-year career in the Navy, rising to the rank of captain and commanding officer of the Charleston Naval Dental Center.   Sanders excelled in practice and leadership in the United States Navy, and was given positions of authority during his postings in Washington, D.C.; Brawdy, Wales; Orlando; Pearl Harbor and Bethesda.   Sanders joined the faculty in the College of Dental Medicine  as an assistant professor of dentistry/periodontics, in 1993. He rose through the academic ranks to become tenured professor of dentistry at MUSC in 2002. He is also associate professor in the College of Health Professions.   MUSC Provost John Raymond, M.D., characterized Sanders as “a consensus builder who leads by example. He is a superb communicator who can make difficult decisions and implement them with grace and good humor. He has been a tireless advocate for the College of Dental Medicine and MUSC, and a leader in the drive to build a new clinical facility for the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at MUSC.”     “We are delighted that Dr. Sanders has agreed to serve as dean of the dental school,” said MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D. “Over the past year, he has demonstrated his ability to move the college forward through very challenging times. Because of that experience, he has the confidence, trust and support of our faculty, staff and students. Great accomplishments lie ahead for Dr. Sanders and for the college.”   He served in numerous leadership roles at MUSC, including chair of the Department of Stomatology, director of Graduate Periodontics, executive associate dean, and most recently as interim dean of the College of Dental Medicine. Friday, May 27, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.