Dr. Anderson, who has been a member of the dental faculty since 2008 as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Prosthodontics, has been on his new job since January and emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to this new endeavor.
“This initiative will reach beyond student recruitment and faculty recruitment, although that is an important piece of what we hope to accomplish,” Dr. Anderson said. “We’ll foster an environment that embraces multiculturalism in all aspects.”
School of Dental Medicine Dean Dr. Thomas W. Braun was working to develop new scholarships targeted to minority students when he realized that the dental school had an opportunity to foster diversity on a larger scale.
“Diversity in culture, ethnicity and gender will only serve to enrich the School of Dental Medicine in all of its missions,” he said. “We believe that adding this position will catalyze that process.”
Dr. Braun collaborated with Ms. Paula Davis, assistant vice chancellor in the Office of Health Sciences Diversity at the University of Pittsburgh, and Dr. Kathy Humphrey, Pitt’s vice provost and dean of students, to create the new position.
The diversity and inclusion goals included in the dental school’s strategic plan will also provide a general framework for diversity initiatives. In addition to recruitment activities, continuing education and faculty development may be incorporated.
In shaping the Office of Diversity Initiatives, Dr. Anderson plans to use a variety of resources to guide his efforts. He also can turn to his vast network for suggestions and advice.
“Dr. Anderson has established numerous professional relationships locally and throughout the country, and those relationships, along with his outstanding reputation among his colleagues, will be an asset to the school’s diversity efforts,” Dr. Braun said.
A graduate of the Howard University College of Dentistry, Dr. Anderson completed a residency program and earned a Master of Dental Science degree in prosthodontics at Pitt. He has been in private practice since 1983. He accepted a commission in the United States Air Force in 1999, serving in educator, clinician, administrator and service-wide policy review and revision roles in both active duty and reserve facilities. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2005 and completed his military service obligation in 2007.
His academic career spans two decades and has included appointments at area UPMC hospitals.
A past president of the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Anderson has long been recognized as a leader in dentistry. He also is a past chair of the Pennsylvania Dental Association’s political action committee and a former president of the Rotary Club in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.
A chock-full schedule hasn’t held Dr. Anderson back from pursuing various avenues for enhancing diversity at the dental school as well as his own development as a diversity professional.
“He’s really paying the time and attention to the position that it deserves,” Dr. Braun said.
Dr. Anderson recognizes that he will be devoting much more of his time and attention to that work as time goes on, as well.
“This announcement is a blast-off of the shuttle,” he said.
“We’re hoping to get to outer space.”
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