Earlier this spring, Jon Ryder, DDS, MS, joined the College of Dentistry as the new executive associate dean. A leader with a wealth of experience, Dr. Ryder will provide day-to-day leadership of the college and support the vision and mission led by Dean Ken Tilashalski, DMD.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Jon Ryder as our new executive associate dean,” Dr. Tilashalski said. “His exceptional leadership in dental education and international service will be an incredible asset to our college. Dr. Ryder’s extensive experience and dedication will greatly benefit our community, and I am confident that his expertise will help us achieve new heights.”
Prior to joining the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Dr. Ryder served as associate dean of Academic Administration and as a clinical professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School. Before that, Dr. Ryder held numerous leadership positions at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine. He was appointed dean in 2015 and previously served as executive associate dean and assistant dean for Academic Affairs.
His arrival comes as the college finalizes preparations for its 2025 Commission on Dental Accreditation site visit and as the college begins implementing its new strategic plan.
The plan is anchored by a new mission statement, “Transforming lives and oral health through community engagement, educational excellence, developing professionals, patient care, and research discovery,” and a new vision statement, ”To take care of people.” Additionally, the college is working to implement a new curriculum, renew the $53 million Healthy Smiles Initiative, and expand its clinical presence across the state in Savannah and Kingsport.
“Over the last two months, I’ve enjoyed getting to meet my colleagues in the college,” Dr. Ryder said. “There are a lot of exciting initiatives happening, ranging from designing a new curriculum to continuing the work of the Healthy Smiles Initiative.”
Dr. Ryder received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College, his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, and a Master of Science degree in orofacial pain/oral medicine from the University of Southern California Ostrow School of Dentistry.
In addition to his career achievements, Dr. Ryder is a committed humanitarian. He has extensive volunteer service in Cambodia, volunteering with Angkor Hospital for Children, two dental schools in Phnom Penh, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health. As part of his work in Cambodia, Dr. Ryder assisted in the development of the first dental simulation clinic in that country.
In his spare time, Dr. Ryder enjoys traveling with his family and three dogs in their Airstream travel trailer. A lifelong musician, Dr. Ryder enjoys playing the drums, guitar, and piano. Dr. Ryder is an avid photographer and has had travel photographs published in several publications, including Asian Geographic Magazine.