WASHINGTON - Howard University alumnus and former College of Dentistry Dean Leo E. Rouse, D.D.S., FACD, was recently presented the American Dental Association’s Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Rouse, who previously served as a guiding force in the College of Dentistry, retired in 2015. He often credited Howard University for providing nourishment, support, mentorship and leadership in his development as a student, professional, faculty member and administrator.  Read the ADA‘s feature on Dr. Rouse here.

Dr. Rouse is widely esteemed as the first African American to serve as president of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). He chaired the ADEA Council of Deans and served as one of the four ADEA commissioners on the Commission of Dental Accreditation. In 2009, he was awarded an ADEA Presidential Citation for distinguished service to the association and dedication to the advancement of the dental education community. He received the 2011 Legend Award from the National Dental Association.  

Prior to his 2004 appointment as dean, Dr. Rouse served as associate dean for Clinical Affairs and chair of the Department of Clinical Dentistry. Before entering academia, he served in the U.S. Army for 24 years. He concluded his military career at the rank of colonel as commander and chief operating officer of the U.S. Army Dental Command, commanding the Army Dental Corps worldwide.

Dr. Rouse holds a B.S. and his D.D.S. degree from the Howard University College of Liberal Arts (1969) and the Howard University College of Dentistry (1973). In May 2014, Dr. Rouse was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree from the Western University of Health Sciences.  In 1997, he received the Howard University College of Dentistry Alumni Achievement Award for distinguished service to the nation and the profession of dentistry.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.