Newswise — Bethesda, Md--Leo Rouse, D.D.S., F.A.C.D., dean of Howard University’s College of Dentistry, was recently confirmed by the Secretary of Defense as the newest member of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences governing board. Rouse’s appointment was effective May 15, 2015.
A Howard University alumnus, Rouse, has served as dean for more than 10 years. Prior to that, Rouse served as associate dean for Clinical Affairs and chair of the Department of Clinical Dentistry at Howard’s College of Dentistry. Before entering academia, Rouse served in the U.S. Army for 24 years. He concluded his military career at the rank of colonel as commander and chief operating officer of the U.S. Army Dental Command, commanding the Army Dental Corps worldwide.
Dr. Rouse holds a B.S. and D.D.S. degree from the Howard University College of Liberal Arts (1969) and the Howard University College of Dentistry (1973). Dr. Rouse was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree from the Western University of Health Sciences in 2014. In 1997, he received the Howard University College of Dentistry Alumni Achievement Award for distinguished service to the nation and the profession of dentistry.
He is widely esteemed as the first African-American to serve as president of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the voice of dental education in the United States and Canada. Dr. Rouse also chaired the ADEA Council of Deans and served as one of the four ADEA commissioners on the Commission of Dental Accreditation. In 2009, he was awarded an ADEA Presidential Citation for distinguished service to the association and dedication to the advancement of the dental education community. He received the 2011 Legend Award from the National Dental Association.
“I am delighted that Dr. Rouse is joining our Board of Regents. His accomplishments in the military as the leader of the Dental Command, as dean of Howard University’s School of Dentistry and as president of the American Dental Education Association, bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to the university. In particular, his strong support of interprofessional education will serve as a catalyst for USU’s efforts in that arena,” said USU President Charles L. Rice, M.D.
Rouse was sworn in as a member of the USU Board of Regents by board chair Dr. Ronald Blanck, a retired lieutenant general and former Army Surgeon General, at the board’s most recent meeting.
“I am especially pleased to have Dr. Rouse on the Board of Regents because of the wealth of experience he brings as a clinician and an educator. I worked with him in the military and know of his commitment to service and excellence," Blanck said.
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The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), founded by an act of Congress in 1972, is the academic heart of the Military Health System. USU students are primarily active duty uniformed officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Public Health Service who receive specialized education in tropical and infectious diseases, TBI and PTSD, disaster response and humanitarian assistance, global health, and acute trauma care. A large percentage of the university’s more than 5,200 physician and 790 advanced practice nursing alumni are supporting operations around the world, offering their leadership and expertise. USU also has graduate programs in biomedical sciences and public health committed to excellence in research, and in oral biology. The University's research program covers a wide range of clinical and basic science important to both the military and public health. For more information, visit www.usuhs.edu.
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