Dr. Ross Kerr Wins All-University Distinguished Teaching Award

04/08/2021

Dr. Ross Kerr, clinical professor of oral and maxillofacial pathology, radiology and medicine, is one of only six teachers University-wide to be selected to receive a 2020-2021 Distinguished Teaching Award.

Established in 1987, the Distinguished Teaching Award reaffirms the University's commitment to teaching excellence and is given annually to selected outstanding faculty members of New York University. It comprises a specially designed medal and a research stipend.

In his nomination of Dr. Kerr, Dean Bertolami wrote, “Through innovative and pioneering efforts to educate dental students and colleagues nationally and internationally about the critical role that prevention and early detection play in an oral cancer patient’s prognosis, Dr. Kerr has trained an entire generation of dentists to integrate simple, life-saving procedures into their practices.”

He added, “Each day, Dr. Kerr demonstrates his joy with the academic life and his genuine passion for his subject area. He has that rare ability to communicate to students with force and logic and to awaken in them genuine interest in the field through the sheer force of his charisma and infectious enthusiasm. Thanks to his extraordinary ability as a teacher and mentor, countless NYU dental students graduate with invaluable oral cancer diagnostic and health promotion skills that have doubtless saved many lives and will continue to do so. Let me add that Ross Kerr is an extraordinary human being whom I am privileged to call my friend.”

All of us at the College of Dentistry congratulate Dr. Kerr on his exceptional achievement, which brings great honor to the College. The University is inviting everyone interested to join a virtual celebration event honoring the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 DTA winners on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 6:00 - 7:30 PM EST. Register below to attend (Zoom details will be emailed prior to the event).