Coplen to Lead Pacific University's School of Dental Hygiene Studies
Pacific University College of Health Professions Executive Dean and Vice Provost Ann Barr-Gillespie has announced that Amy Coplen has been selected to lead the university’s School of Dental Hygiene Studies.
Coplen succeeds founding director Lisa Rowley, who announced earlier this summer that she is transitioning to a faculty position within the school after 13 years as director.
Coplen is a tenured associate professor who joined Pacific’s School of Dental Hygiene Studies in 2009. She most recently served as associate dean for interprofessional education in the college and as co-director the college’s Interprofessional Education and Research program. Coplen has served on numerous committees while at Pacific, including the university’s Institutional Review Board and the university’s Personnel Committee.
Barr-Gillespie also announced that dental hygiene studies associate professor Kathryn Bell has been selected to succeed Coplen in the roles of associate dean and Interprofessional Education and Research co-director. Bell has been a member of Pacific’s faculty since 2010. Coplen relinquished her positions as associate dean and Interprofessional Education and Research co-director.
“I thank Lisa for her 13 years of outstanding leadership and am delighted that Amy has taken the helm,” Barr-Gillespie said. “I look forward to the continuation of excellence that her leadership will bring to Pacific.”
Coplen received the university’s 2017 Faculty Achievement Award for her commitment and service to the university and its students. She has also served on national leadership positions within the American Dental Education Association, where she is currently a fellow and the 2018 recipient of the organization’s Gies Award for Vision of a Dental Educator.
Coplen’s research interests include interprofessional education and exploring alternative dental workforce models to reach individuals with limited access to dental care. She is a passionate advocate for increasing access to care to underserved populations.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the School of Dental Hygiene Studies as its next director and look forward to helping maintain the outstanding reputation it has developed in the community and profession,” Coplen said.