Orthodontics, pediatrics expert

named dean of Ohio State’s College of Dentistry

COLUMBUS – Executive Vice President and Provost Edward J. Ray has recommended to President William E. Kirwan the appointment of Jan E. Kronmiller as dean of The Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry.  President William E. Kirwan will ask the university’s Board of Trustees at their August 29 meeting to approve a five-year appointment of Kronmiller, effective September 19, 2001 through June 30, 2006.

Kronmiller currently serves as professor and chair of the Department of Orthodontics in the School of Dentistry at Oregon Health Sciences University.  In addition to teaching in the dental school, Kronmiller also teaches in the graduate program in the School of Medicine.  He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the National Institute of Health’s National Research Service Award and Individual Physician Scientist Award.  He also has been named a Fellow by the American College of Dentists and by the International College of Dentists.

            “There were a number of qualified candidates identified through the search process, but Dr. Kronmiller’s impressive credentials quickly separated him from other interested applicants,” Ray said.  “Dr. Kronmiller’s notable record of scholarship and research convinced those involved with the search that he is well prepared to lead the college in alignment with the university’s mission and academic plan.”

            Kronmiller already has strong connections to the university, having earned both a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a D.D.S. in Dentistry from Ohio State.  His Ph.D. is in biomedical sciences from the University of Connecticut, and he is certified in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.  Prior to joining the Oregon Health Sciences University in 1993, Kronmiller served as head of the section of orthodontics at the University of Kentucky’s College of Dentistry and was a National Institute of Health Research Fellow at the University of Connecticut Health Center.  Kronmiller also was assistant professor of pediatric dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh, and he spent several years in private practice.  His research interests focus on molecular and genetic mechanics in craniofacial development.

            The university spent almost a year conducting a national search to seek applications from individuals who could provide the leadership necessary to build upon the many accomplishments of faculty, staff, and students in the College of Dentistry, and continue to advance the college’s goal of excellence in teaching, research, and service. Kronmiller will replace Henry W. Fields, who is stepping down as dean after 10 years of service at Ohio State, and returning to the faculty.

            “I am very pleased to return to The Ohio State University as Dean of the College of Dentistry,” Kronmiller said. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to continue to advance the mission and quality of the college and university, and I look forward to interacting with the Ohio community to promote the oral health of Ohioans.”

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