The UT Health Science Center will graduate approximately 440 health science center students Friday, May 30, at 1:30 p.m. at the Mid-South Coliseum.
The UT Health Science Center will graduate approximately 440 health science center students Friday, May 30, at 1:30 p.m. at the Mid-South Coliseum.
Dr. Jim Gibb Johnson, interim chancellor, will preside over the ceremonies and Dr. William Slagle, dean, College of Dentistry, will give the charge to the students.
Dr. Slagle is retiring from UT after two decades of superb leadership.
During his tenure, he has overseen the expansion of the compressed three-year curriculum into a comprehensive four-year program. The emphasis he placed on research also led UT to host its annual “Hinman Student Research Symposium,” showcasing student researchers from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and other countries.
Under Dr. Slagle’s watch as dean, UT improved student performance on regional and national board examinations (ranking first in 1998), increased funding for faculty research, and expanded programs in community and oral health.
In 1995, with the support of the UT Dental Alumni Board, Dr. Slagle established the Mid-South Dental Congress, an annual meeting that invites nationally prominent dental speakers and clinicians to address the continuing education needs of dental practitioners and staff. The success of the Congress has exceeded expectations and has allowed the UT Dental Alumni Board to provide additional financial support for College of Dentistry endowments and programs