In Memoriam: Dr. James Hanley, Dean of the College of Dental Medicine

The University of New England is saddened today by the loss of Dr. James Hanley, Dean of the College of Dental Medicine.

Dean Hanley, who was instrumental in developing cutting edge programs at the College, died yesterday in a battle with cancer. He had begun the search for a new Dean of the College of Dental Medicine in cooperation with the University after his illness progressed.

Upon learning the news, President Danielle Ripich said, “This is a tremendous loss for the UNE community. Jim’s leadership of this new college and his care for his students has inspired us all. Jim was well regarded and liked by faculty, staff and students. He shared a wealth of expertise, but in addition he was a good person, friend and mentor. His loss will be felt by all of us.”

Dean Hanley joined the University of New England in the spring of 2014. Over the course of his distinguished career, he demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to his practice, earning numerous honors and awards. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a graduate of the American Dental Education Association Leadership Institute. He was a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Education Association, the American Dental Association and the Maine Dental Association.

Dean Hanley served as a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation and on the board of directors of the Eastern Dentists Insurance Company. In addition, he was a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, and the Academy of Dental Sciences, and he was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society.

Dean Hanley is survived by four grandchildren, three daughters and his wife, Marian. A scholarship in Jim’s name will be established at the College of Dental Medicine.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.