24 October 2025

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Investing in people, building community

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On October 16–17, 2025, IU School of Dentistry (IUSD) faculty and staff gathered for the annual fall faculty conference and staff retreat, bringing people together in the spirit of learning, collaboration, and comradery. These events are designed to enrich IUSD’s culture, keeping faculty and staff informed while boosting operational efficacy.  

“Organizational development is a shared commitment at IUSD,” said Carolyn Hasser, IUSD’s human resources director. “By investing in our people and processes, we create an environment where everyone has the support and tools they need to succeed together.” 

Thursday’s faculty session kicked off with Elements training—a program designed to track faculty activities—followed by a faculty council meeting. Additional sessions focused on active learning and accessibility, led by members of the university’s technology and teaching and learning communities. The event concluded on Friday with a half-day mentoring workshop hosted by the Office of Faculty Affairs. 

“This year, we launched a program designed to address a broad range of topics that not only support excellence in teaching but also prepare faculty to succeed amid evolving institutional processes and expectations,” said representatives from theOffice of Faculty Affairs.  

“Through this initiative, we aim to empower faculty to navigate change with confidence,” they indicated, “whether adapting to new reporting systems, advancing accessibility and inclusion, enriching classroom engagement, or cultivating meaningful mentoring relationships that foster growth and connection.” 

Thursday’s day-long staff retreat featured presentations from university UITS and financial administration personnel on artificial intelligence and everyday leadership. Afternoon activities included stress mitigation strategies offered by Healthy IU and other campus partners. 

The retreat culminated with Amelia Swain, co-chair of the IUSD Staff Council and Recognition Committee, presenting staff awards. Congratulations to the following staff: 

• Kylie Kaminski (Office of Education and Academic Affairs) and Adam Kelly (Oral Health Research Institute): IUSD Staff Scholarship recipients 
• Kathleen Jones (Dental Faculty Practice): Johnson Community Service Award recipient 
• Craig Eberhardt (Office of Dental Informatics and Digital Health), Nicole Hartley (Oral Pathology, Medicine, and Radiology), and Kathy Pedigo (Office of Clinical Affairs): Staff Excellence Awards 

On Friday, nearly 20 staff gave back to the community as an optional service day, coordinated by Shelby Funk and Patrick Ruddy. Staff helped by filling personalized candy bags for an upcoming trick-or-treat event at Damar Services—a local nonprofit that provides supportive services to people with disabilities. At Second Helpings—an agency that fights food insecurity—other staff prepared food, chopping 206 pounds of produce and prepping 1,248 pounds of food.  

Author: Laura Klaum
Source: https://dentistry.iu.edu/