Farewell to Professor Mike Morgan

“My dear Algy. You talk exactly as if you were a dentist. It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn’t a dentist. It produces false impression.”
Oscar Wilde - The Importance of Being Earnest.

Professor Mike Morgan never leaves a bad impression. With 31 years on staff
at The University of Melbourne and with an association with the university dating back to 1982 as a post-graduate student, he sadly leaves his current role to become Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago.

Professor Mike Morgan speaking at the Apollonia Luncheon at Reunion Weekend.

With 22 years as Deputy Head of School and Head of School, he has re-defined the meaning of leadership. A mark of his intellectual generosity and commitment to his vision is seen in the valuable contributions to the university across research, teaching and engagement. No other dental academic either current or in the past, has such a lengthy record covering all areas in the Melbourne Dental School. Mike has been a driving force for the transformation of dental public health  and epidemiology.

Mike’s principal teaching responsibility has been in population oral health. He has a strong research background and interest in the causes and prevention of oral disease, economic evaluation and clinical trials of dental caries preventive agents. His university role has also included working closely with Community Health Centres, particularly in relation to student placement and clinical service. Mike has served on several NFP Boards over the past 10 years, primarily related to health and education.

Mike will continue his links with both Melbourne and the University of Melbourne into the foreseeable future including the guidance of three RHD students currently under his supervision. He is also an investigator on two externally funded research projects and aims to seek common research areas relevant to both Melbourne and The Faculty of Dentistry at Otago.

On a more personal note, Mike’s kind, calm, thoughtful and funny nature is what he’ll be most remembered for by the many staff and students who have had the pleasure of working with him.  He likes the sound of laughter around the office and welcomes opinions and suggestions. While many leaders state their door is open for discussion, Mike’s door is ever open and in his humble way, he encourages staff to take the lead on their projects and ideas. Vision and leadership are shared and passed on.

Professor Mike Morgan will forever be a part of the history of the Melbourne  Dental School.