MCGINNIS TO RECEIVE UT COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS AWARD

Memphis, Tennessee (February 28, 2006) --J. Perry McGinnis, Jr. DDS, of Loudon, Tenn., has been selected as the 2006 University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Dentistry Outstanding Alumnus. He will receive the award Friday, March 3, at the annual alumni luncheon to be held at the Memphis Hilton.

Russell Gilpatrick, DDS, dean of the UTHSC College of Dentistry said, “Dr. McGinnis has contributed significantly to the dental profession throughout the Mid South. He has set the standard for excellence in each area of endeavor he has attempted and deserves this recognition in every way.”
            Dr. McGinnis completed his undergraduate studies at the University of
Tennessee in Knoxville.  He earned his DDS degree and completed postgraduate training in pathology at UTHSC in 1959.  He then served two years active duty with the Army Dental Corps and later served in the Army Reserves until he retired with the rank of colonel in 1996. He was awarded the highest decoration, the Meritorious Service Award with first oak leaf cluster.

Concurrent to his military assignments, Dr. McGinnis held various academic positions.  He was assistant, then associate professor of oral pathology at the UT College of Dentistry from 1967 to 1977. From there he moved to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., where he became professor of oral pathology for the next ten years.  In 1987, Dr. McGinnis accepted a position as professor of diagnostic sciences at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, and went on to become assistant dean for academic programs, associate dean for academic programs, and retired as dean in 2001.

Having written manuals on oral pathology for students, chapters
for textbooks, and numerous articles in professional journals, Dr. McGinnis is a fellow in the American College of Dentists and a member of the Omicron Kappa
Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

Dr. McGinnis’s illustrious career is highlighted by numerous awards including the 2002 Alumnus/Friend of the Year from the University of Mississippi Dental Alumni Association. In 2001, he became one of only six since 1875 to ever receive a fellowship by the Mississippi Dental Association (MDA). Additionally, in March 2002, the State of Mississippi House of Representatives issued a commendation to Dr. Perry McGinnis upon his retirement from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

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