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About the Dean
Dr. Hill became Dean of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry on July 1, 2025. She previously served as Interim Dean from January 2022 through February 2023 and from July 2023 until her appointment as permanent dean. She made history as the first woman to lead the school.
Before moving into the top leadership position at the School of Dentistry, Dr. Hill served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Prior to holding that role, she had oversight for the school's postgraduate residency programs.
A native of Estill County, Kentucky, Dr. Hill obtained her bachelor's degree at Eastern Kentucky University. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, earning her DMD in 1987. She then earned a certificate in General Practice Residency at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1988. Dr. Hill completed her residency program in Periodontics at the University of Kentucky in 1990.
Before joining the UofL School of Dentistry full-time, Dr. Hill worked in private practice in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. She continues to see patients through UofL Dental Associates.
Dr. Hill has published extensively on oral health, with an emphasis on periodontal research. She is also active in dental and dental education organizations, holding leadership positions including Commission on Change and Innovation Liaison and Women’s Liaison for the American Dental Education Association.
Dean's Authority and Responsibilities
The dean is the administrative and educational head of the School of Dentistry as specified in the Redbook. The dean serves at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees and reports to both the University Executive Vice President and Provost, and to the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs as appropriate.
Authority
The University’s Redbook (Article 3.2.2), gives the dean of the School of Dentistry the following authority:
“Deans shall be the educational and administrative heads of their units. They shall report to the Executive Vice President and University Provost, through whom they shall be responsible to the President for the administration of their units.”
Responsibilities
The dean shall be responsible to:
- Recommend the appointment of other administrative officers of the School of Dentistry.
- Fill departmental officer vacancies as specified in the Redbook.
- In consultation with the chairs/directors of the concerned departments/divisions and appropriate committees as specified in the Redbook, recommend to the Executive Vice President and University Provost the appointment, tenure, promotion, retention, sabbatical leave, annual salary increase and retirement actions of any faculty members and administrative officers of the school.
- In consultation with the council, the Faculty Assembly, or independently as appropriate, appoint members to standing and ad hoc committees as needed for the proper operation of the school.
- Serve as chairperson of the council and preside over the Faculty Assembly during special meetings to recommend the granting of degrees and certificates.
- Represent the school at meetings of the university, professional associations, governmental agencies and other groups.
- Create an environment that facilitates research and scholarly activity.
- Develop and promote public service among members of the School of Dentistry community.
- Develop and administer the School of Dentistry’s budget.
- Promote the School of Dentistry through fund-raising and alumni activities.
- Recruit and retain the school's faculty and staff in response to programmatic needs and encourage their professional development.
- Delegate duties to appropriate individuals or groups whenever indicated.
- Assume other responsibilities and perform other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Trustees, the President, the Executive Vice President and University Provost, the Vice President for Health Affairs or other appropriate administrative officers of the University.
Office of the Dean
The dean may appoint vice, associate and assistant deans (as specified in the Redbook) for the proper functioning of the administration of the school. The people in these positions will be evaluated every five years as part of the University’s unit decanal review.
Contact us
School of Dentistry Dean's Office
501 South Preston Street, Room 240
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-852-5295
Email: Dental_Dean@louisville.edu