Briefly Mentioned

By: Alexia Lang

Posted: 8/18/08

New director of the Dimond Office named

Gary Pettett, professor of Pediatrics and Neonatology, was named the new medical director of the E. Grey Dimond, M.D., Office of International Medicine.

Pettett is also director of the Office for Research Integrity and chairman of the Health Sciences Pediatric Institutional Review Board at Children's Mercy Hospital.

Pettett served on the advisory board for the Dimond International Program prior to being selected for this position.

The goal of the Dimond Office of International Medicine is to aide staff and students in studying abroad as well as to provide students studying at foreign medical schools clerkship opportunities at UMKC.

E. Grey Dimond, Provost Emeritus for Health Sciences, said in a release, "He is very able, internationally traveled and loyal to our university."

Dean of the dental school resigns

After 23 years of service, Michael Reed, dean of the UMKC School of Dentistry, resigned. His resignation will be effective Sept. 30.

During Reed's time at the dental school, sponsored research has increased by nearly $7 million reaching $7.7 million annually.

He has also led an effort raising $9 million toward the $12 million goal for "The Campaign for Dental Excellence."

Gail Hackett, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said in a press release recommendations will be sought from staff, faculty and the community in order to form a search committee for a permanent dean.

Dean of the Conservatory of Music and Dance named

The Conservatory of Music and Dance will welcome Peter Witte as the new department dean Aug. 18.

Witte, who has conducted musical groups across the United States, is currently the president of the Georgia Music Educators Association and an advisory board member of the Cobb Symphony Orchestra.

He has also been a chair of the Department of Music and director of Instrumental Studies at Kennesaw State University since 1999.

Lawrence Dreyfus, dean of the School of Biological Sciences and chair of the Conservatory Dean Search Committee, said in a press release Witte is a good choice.

"Brilliant, articulate, talented and energetic are descriptors frequently heard when Peter Witte is discussed," Dreyfus said.

Sosland Chair in Trauma Services named

A member of the UMKC School of Medicine faculty since 1988, Charles Van Way was named the Sosland/Missouri Endowed Chair in Trauma Services.

Van Way is the former chair of the Department of Surgery and Ralph Ringo Coffey Professor.

He received his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University after graduating from Yale University with his undergraduate degree.

Over 90 of Van Way's papers have been published in peer reviewed journals in addition to the publication of over 250 book chapter review articles and editorials.

alang@unews.com