Chadwick named interim dean of ECU dental school
Dr. Gregory Chadwick, associate dean for planning and extramural affairs at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, has been named interim dean of the school, officials announced today.
His appointment follows the resignation of Dr. James Hupp, who stepped down as dean last month after a state auditor’s report found irregularities in his travel expenses and other documentation. Hupp, who was named dean in 2008, remains on the faculty, and ECU continues to review his status with the dental school.
Dr. Gregory Chadwick
“Dr. Chadwick has been positively engaged in the development of the dental school for over five years and has earned this appointment,” said ECU Chancellor Steve Ballard. “I look forward to his continuing leadership and the development of the School of Dental Medicine.”
This is Chadwick’s second stint as interim dean. He served in the same role in the formative years of the school as ECU and University of North Carolina system leaders approved starting it and legislators appropriated funds to establish it.
Dr. Phyllis Horns, ECU vice chancellor for health sciences, praised Chadwick’s work in starting the school, the relationships he has developed statewide on behalf of the school and his vision for the school.
“Dr. Chadwick has a commitment and passion for the School of Dental Medicine, the unique curriculum model we are putting together and the service learning center model we are developing,” she said.
Chadwick practiced in Charlotte for most of his career. He has served as president of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society and the Dental Foundation of North Carolina as well as serving with other dental organizations. He also taught at the dental school at UNC-Chapel Hill. Chadwick has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree and a dental degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.
“It’s a dream come true for me to be able to work with a great faculty and staff and fifty-two awesome dental students,” Chadwick said. “It’s a privilege and honor.”
Chadwick said he plans to appoint Dr. Frank Serio as interim vice dean. Serio is a professor and associate dean for clinical affairs at the school.
The North Carolina General Assembly has appropriated approximately $95 million to build the new dental school. The first class of 52 students enrolled last month, and the 184,000-square-foot Ross Hall is under construction. It should be complete next year.
The dental school will also include up to 10 community service learning centers across the state. Officials broke ground in Ahoskie last month for the first one. Sites for four others have been announced.