Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2024

About Barbara Dean

Jeff and Barb Dean’s commitment to Indiana University is evident in their continuous support, spending their entire careers supporting not just IU School of Dentistry but also IU Indianapolis.

Barb and Jeff met while working at the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children in the pediatric dentistry residency program. Barb received a degree in dental hygiene and education from Indiana University. Her father, Dr. Ralph McDonald, was dean at IU School of Dentistry. Jeff received his DDS degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry along with his master's and his specialty certificates in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.

Jeff has served in various academic roles within Indiana University School of Dentistry and IU Indianapolis; he has been the Executive Associate Dean at the dental school and is currently the Ralph McDonald Professor of Pediatric Dentistry. He has served as the hospital residency program director and program chair in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and is also faculty in the Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics. Outside of the dental school, Jeff was appointed chief of staff/senior advisor in the IUPUI chancellor’s office.

Jeff and Barb have supported many aspects of the campus and have encouraged others to give by being a part of key campus and school initiatives including, several scholarships, the Baldwin and McDonald professorships, IUSD construction projects, and Jaguar Athletics. Their contributions have impacted generations of dental students across the past, present and future of the School of Dentistry.