Leadership Changes

Dr. Arturo Mendez has been named chairman of the department of prosthodontics after serving as the department's interim chair. He has been a member of the LSUSD faculty since 1978. "He has provided strong leadership for the school," said Dr. Henry Gremillion, dean, in announcing the appointment. "He is to be commended for maintaining the high quality of education, research, and service for which the department has been known. His vision for the future growth of the department is exciting and impressive."

Dr. Bob Sergent has retired as chairman of the department of comprehensive dentistry. "Dr. Sergent has provided strong leadership as a faculty member and most recently as chair of the department. He will certainly be missed."

Dr. Eric Hovland has been named director of the office of advanced education. His responsibilities include support and coordination of the seven residency programs in dental specialties and advanced education. In May, he implemented the return of Advanced Education Research Day, where 17 residents presented their research projects.

Dr. Robert Barsley has been named director of community affairs and oral health resources. His duties include oversight of hospital and community service activities. He is a 1977 graduate of LSUSD and a 1987 graduate of the Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans. A diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Odontology, he has lectured to national and international audiences in forensic dentistry. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he served as dental section chief in the Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team at St. Gabriel, Louisiana. He also serves as magistrate judge in his hometown of Ponchatoula.