Marsha Pyle appointed new dean of UMKC School of Dentistry Accomplished scholar brings experience, leadership to top spot at dental school

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has announced the appointment of Marsha A. Pyle, D.D.S., M.Ed., as the new dean of the UMKC School of Dentistry. Dr. Pyle is currently the Vice Dean of the School of Dental Medicine at Case Western Reserve University [CWRU], Cleveland, Ohio.

At CWRU, Dr. Pyle has served as Associate Dean for Education at the School of Dental Medicine and is Professor in the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology.

“I am extremely pleased that we were able to attract someone of Dr. Pyle’s stature and experience as Dean of our outstanding School of Dentistry,” said Gail Hackett, Ph.D., UMKC executive vice chancellor and provost. “I have every confidence that Dr. Pyle will be able to lead the School to even higher levels of distinction.”

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Pyle has worked as consultant to government and corporate entities and, in 2008, Ohio’s Governor Ted Strickland appointed Dr. Pyle for a three-year term to the state’s Dentist Loan Repayment Board.

Dr. Pyle is a staff member at the Carl Stokes Veterans’ Hospital. She has held numerous board and leadership positions on national, state and local organizations, including serving in leadership roles for both the American Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association. She currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of the American College of Dentists. She has been recognized for her work in curriculum innovation.

Among her many awards, Dr. Pyle received CWRU School of Dental Medicine’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008. She was also the recipient of the 2006 Presidential Citation for her contributions to the mission of the American Dental Education Association. In 2000, she received the Ohio Dental Association’s Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Pyle received her B.S. in 1976 from Ashland University in Ohio. She earned her D.D.S. from CWRU in 1984 and her Certificate for General Practice Dentistry from the Veterans Administration Medical Center in 1985. Between 1989 and1991, Dr. Pyle participated in Fellowship Training in Geriatric Dentistry at CWRU and completed her M.Ed. at Cleveland State University in 1997.

From 2003 -2004, she participated in the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Fellowship Program, the nation’s only in-depth program focusing on preparing senior women faculty at schools of medicine, dentistry and public health for institutional leadership positions where they can effect positive change.

“I look forward to joining the dedicated group of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who have distinguished the School and provided exceptional support. This is a very exciting time for the School and its programs as we work together for the continued growth in goals for the future,” Dr. Pyle said. “The support of the University administration and important constituents has been evident during the search process. I look forward to joining the UMKC campus to help advance the mission of the University and the Dental School.”

Dr. Pyle will begin her duties at UMKC on August 10, 2009.

About the UMKC School of Dentistry

The UMKC School of Dentistry originated in 1881 as the Kansas City Dental College. The name has changed and the school has grown and evolved into a multi-faceted institution, but it has maintained a tradition of excellence in education for over a century. The School offers a varied and complete range of educational experiences for students of dentistry and dental hygiene and for graduate and continuing education students.

About UMKC

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Celebrating 75 years, UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.


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