Dear Dugoni School family,

I cannot begin to describe the great honor, responsibility, excitement, joy and hope I feel since beginning my service as your dean. Being named the ninth dean of our great University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is truly special.

Thank you to all of our alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students for the love and support you have shared with me as I transitioned to this position through the last year.  I am grateful for our wonderful Dugoni School family and, of course, for my immediate family.

To borrow from Sir Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” In our 120-year history as a school, there have been many giants who have shaped who we are as a school, as oral healthcare providers and as leaders in our great profession.  Thanks to those of you who have served and continue to serve as giants for future generations, especially Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni who inspires and motivates all of us.

The challenges and opportunities ahead energize me. With your help, we will strengthen our culture of humanism, enhance our relentless focus on excellence in our programs and build an institution true to our commitment to excellence, respect, trust and integrity.

I believe in the Dugoni School family and that we will build a bright future for our great school, profession and alumni.  Please join me at our alumni gatherings and share your ideas about our school.

I look forward to seeing you very soon.

Sincerely,

Nader A. Nadershahi ’94, DDS, MBA, EdD
Dean