Merlyn Vogt, DDS, has been named the associate dean of student affairs, admissions and external relations and James K. Wahl, III, PhD, has been named the associate dean of research and chair of the department of oral biology.
Dr. Vogt joined the college in 1996 as a part-time clinical instructor and became an assistant dean in 2005. During his time as assistant dean, Dr. Vogt has advanced the college’s admissions, student affairs, alumni relations and government relations. Under his leadership, each year the college continues to recruit the most outstanding dental students.
He plays a key role in student affairs initiatives, including working with students who are underrepresented in the health professions through the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP). Dr. Vogt also serves as a government relations representative for UNMC; each legislative session he works to ensure that the College of Dentistry’s best interests are represented in any bill with potential implications for the college.
“I thank Dr. Vogt for his continued leadership and dedication to the college,” said Janet M. Guthmiller, DDS, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. “In this new role, he will continue to have a great influence on the college’s present and future.”
Dr. Wahl served as the interim associate dean of research and chair of the department of oral biology from July 2020 – July 2022. Under his leadership, the college achieved a 28 percent increase in grants and contracts this fiscal year, a near doubling in NIH research funding since 2019, and the research program has expanded through the recruitment of additional faculty involved in research.
He joined the College of Dentistry in 2001 as a research assistant professor in the department of oral biology. He was promoted to assistant professor in 2003, associate professor in 2008, and professor in 2017. Among his many honors, Dr. Wahl was named a UNMC Distinguished Scientist in 2019.
“We are excited for what the future holds as Dr. Wahl continues to work with our faculty, staff and students to advance our research and educational programs,” Dr. Guthmiller said.