2019 Alumni Fellow: Karen L. Pierce West

A group of distinguished graduates who are exemplary ambassadors for the University were honored as part of 2019 Homecoming celebrations. Karen L. Pierce West ’77, DMD '82, MPH is University of Louisville School of Dentistry/s 2019 Alumni Fellow.

Dr. West is President and CEO of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). Prior to joining ADEA, she served as dean and professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. A longtime advocate for women’s health and diversity and inclusion in dental education, Dr. West began her career as a project director in the Augusta Dental Project/Children and Youth Dental Clinic. She was then recruited as a clinical team leader at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in 1990. Within the UK system she held several administrative positions. She gained academic tenure as an associate professor while serving as associate dean of Academic Affairs from 2002-2007.

Dr. West’s significant experience extends beyond the dental school environment, having served in many important roles nationally and internationally. She served on the Commission on Dental Accreditation from 2013-2016 and was Chair in 2016. Dr. West was elected president of the Society for Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine in 2004 after completing the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Fellowship in 1999. Considered a leader in the field of women’s issues in dentistry, Dr. West has been involved in research projects in the area of women’s health as well as the key issue of equity for women in dental education.