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September 15, 2010

To the Tufts community:

Earlier this morning, Lonnie H. Norris, dean of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM), announced that he will step down from his position in August 2011.

Dean Norris has led the school with vision and creativity since 1996 and established himself as one of the most outstanding deans in Tufts' history. Thanks to his service, TUSDM remains a premier location for dental education and research.

President Bacow summarized the feelings of many at Tufts and beyond: "Lonnie Norris is one of the very best academic leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. He is widely admired not just at Tufts, but nationally and internationally. Beloved by students, faculty, staff, and peers alike, Dean Norris has literally brought Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to new heights. He has elevated its scholarly reputation, strengthened its commitment to public service, and constructed new facilities that will serve the school well for generations. He will be missed."

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a master's degree in public health, Dean Norris began his career as a clinical instructor with TUSDM in 1980. During his tenure as dean, TUSDM has expanded its educational and clinical programs, dramatically increased the enrollment of students of color, continued to build a world-class faculty, and created exemplary community and public health programs. Dean Norris's dedication to building an institution that is focused on the pursuit of new knowledge and innovations in patient care has made TUSDM a national leader in clinical research.

Recently, Dean Norris spearheaded the school's impressive Vertical Expansion project, which involved the construction of five new floors with 95,000 square feet added to the top of the school building. The $68 million project was completed on budget and ahead of schedule in 2009, even while the school remained fully operational for educational and clinical programs during construction. Dean Norris's prudent management of TUSDM's growth has been supported by the generous philanthropy of individuals, corporations, and foundations worldwide. During his tenure, the school has raised more than $55 million, a sign of the high regard that donors and alumni have for Dean Norris and the TUSDM mission.

The search for Dean Norris's successor will begin immediately. A search committee is being assembled and a search firm will be engaged to facilitate the process.

Over the coming year, we look forward to celebrating Dean Norris's many accomplishments. In the meanwhile, please join President Bacow and me in thanking him for his many contributions to the university, the profession of dental medicine, and the communities served by TUSDM's educational and clinical programs.

Jamshed Bharucha, Provost and Senior Vice President