New interim dean for Dentistry

Bill Knight, interim dean of the College of Dentistry.

Bill Knight, executive associate dean of the College of Dentistry, was named the college’s interim dean.

He succeeds Bruce Graham, who returns to the faculty. A national search for a new dean is underway.

“The college will not miss a beat thanks to Bill’s immense capabilities,” Graham said.

“This is not the time to rest or be caretakers,” Knight said, citing current college initiatives that include building renovations and curriculum changes.

A member of the faculty since 2001, Knight joined the college as assistant dean for clinical education.

Knight earned a DDS and master’s degree in restorative dentistry from the University of Michigan and a master’s in health care education from the University of Detroit Mercy. He served as a dental officer in the Navy, then had a private practice for 29 years. As a faculty member at the University of Michigan, he received five Instructor of the Year awards. He held academic affairs and clinical affairs leadership roles at the University of Detroit Mercy.

Knight’s research focuses on instructional design and outcomes assessment. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists.