69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ Receives High Honors at the 2023 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition 

March 23, 2023 By Carson Fry

69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ

The 2023 Annual Session & Exhibition in Portland, Oregon, awarded 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ University College of Dental Medicine (CODM) with several national awards, elected leadership positions, and student fellowships.  

69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ’s ADEA student leaders Matthew Wright (D3), and April Watts (D2) received the highest award; ADEA Student Chapter of the Year Award and ADEA Distinguished Student Chapter Award: Gold Level Chapter, with the assistance of their 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ CODM faculty advisors Dr. Katherine Velasco and Dr. Rob Alder, Director of Quality Assurance & Institutional.

The ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program (ADCFP) was awarded to three 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ dental students: 

  • ADCFP Fellow: Sumaya Al Kalla (D2); Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rachel Novak 
  • ADCFP Fellow: Emily Lear (D3); Faculty Mentor: Dr. David McMillan 
  • ADCFP Fellow: Fay Kotlyarenko (D3); Faculty Mentor: Dr. David McMillan 

The recognitions finish off with 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ faculty filling the entire roster for the ADEA National Leadership Positions for the upcoming 2023-2024 cycle. Nominated 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ faculty included.: 

  • Dr. Frank Licari, ADEA Council of Deans Representative for the Annual Session Program Committee 
  • Dr. Rachel Novak, Chair, ADEA Section on integrated Clinical and Applied Biomedical Sciences 
  • Dr. Katherine Velasco, Secretary, ADEA Section on Minority Affairs, Diversity, and Inclusion 
  • Dr. Rachel Novak, 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ Representative, Women Liaison Officer 
  • Dr. Ryan Jones, 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ Representative, Council of Faculties 
  • Dr. Kamran Awan, Member of the ADEA Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee 
  • Matthew Wright (D3), Board Director, ADEA Council of Students, Residents, & Fellows
  • Matthew Wright (D3), Board Member, ADEA Board of Directors

 “I walked away from the meeting feeling very proud of our 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ family and all the amazing contributions of our colleagues,” said Dr. Burke Soffee, Professor and Assistant Dean for Faculty Development and Curriculum. 

It is a high honor to receive these awards and recognitions, and 69É«ÇéÊÓÆµ University is proud of our staff, faculty, and students for their hard work and dedication to their profession.