Stephen Leeper, D.D.S., dean of the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry for the past decade, announced today that he will step down effective Oct. 31, 1999.
His leaving the position will come soon after the culmination of the college’s centennial year celebration. The college celebrates its 100th anniversary on Sept. 17, 1999.
“Dean Leeper has taken the college to a new level of excellence. This is easily documented by an examination of the students’ credentials. His most recent initiation of the curriculum revision is another example of how Steve has worked to improve the college,” said William O. Berndt, Ph.D., UNMC chancellor.
Dr. Leeper’s tenure with the college has been marked by several milestones:
–The opening in May of the Cruzan Center for Dental Research, which allowed the college to increase its research activities, providing appropriate space and new facilities for clinical and basic science research.
–The grade-point average of incoming College of Dentistry students ranking first of all the dental colleges in the nation for the past several years.
–The reorganization of the college, which now includes six departments instead of 10.
–The initial steps for creating a new curriculum, which will be a patient-centered, comprehensive care model that includes a competency-based evaluation of students.
“It has been a pleasure to be a part of an institution that is such a valuable resource to the state of Nebraska,” Dr. Leeper said. “Dentistry has been an integral part of my life, and I am glad I had the opportunity to help make the College of Dentistry a stronger institution. I credit this to the quality faculty and staff at the college.”
A native of Hastings, Dr. Leeper received his bachelor’s and doctor of dental surgery degrees from the College of Dentistry. He graduated first in his class in 1959. He received a master’s of arts degree in speech science from UNL.
A third generation Nebraska dentist, Dr. Leeper, 63, joined the college faculty in 1964. Before being named interim dean in 1988, Dr. Leeper served as chair of the department of adult restorative dentistry and as assistant dean of clinics. He was named dean in 1989.
In 1997, he was named a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Joint Commission for National Dental Examinations of the American Dental Association. He served as president of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society, in 1995, and as president of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International from 1993-95. Earlier this year, Omicron Kappa Upsilon named a teaching award for Dr. Leeper. The national award is given to a dental educator who demonstrates innovative techniques or exhibits consistent excellence in dental education. Dr. Leeper also is a fellow of the American and International College of Dentists.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research and treatment, and solid organ transplantation. More than $34 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.