I am deeply gratified and elated to have been named the new Dean of the Goldman School of Dental Medicine. I have expressed my appreciation to both Provost Antman and President Brown and I would also like to acknowledge the ten-month effort of the search committee, and the University Trustees who approved my appointment. It is a unique honor to be appointed to the position previously held only by the School’s founder Henry M. Goldman, and the University’s longest serving dean, Spencer N. Frankl. 

My overarching goal is for the Goldman School of Dental Medicine to become a premier provider of didactic and clinical dental education and a world class research institution. This is a moment of great opportunity in our School’s history. President Brown has written and spoken about the University strategic plan which has our institution focused on “Choosing to be Great.” This phrase defines Boston University in the past, present, and future. Boston University has chosen to be great, even when resources were constrained and the path forward was not easy or obvious. President Brown has also pointed out that the most important interpretation is for the future. We are at a point in our institutional evolution where we must make the kinds of choices that will move the University forward. This is ever more true for us at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

My commitment to each and every one of you is to engage with you as we work together to become a truly great institution. Specifically, I will look for our collective collaboration as we address curriculum and educational standards; research programs; excellence in didactic and clinical instruction and management of the patients who entrust their oral healthcare to our students, residents, and faculty; extramural programs; faculty development; a humanistic and collegial environment for students, faculty, staff, and alumni; acquisition of new space and renovation of existing space to make for a more attractive and efficient workplace; development and alumni relations; globalization; community affairs; and ethics and professionalism. 

In the coming months, I will be meeting with all our integral constituencies: students, faculty, staff, and alumni and I will be seeking your input and expertise as we work together to choose to be great. I thank each of you for your dedication and support to the Goldman School of Dental Medicine and Boston University.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey W. Hutter, DMD, MEd
Professor and Dean