David C. Sarrett, D.M.D., M.S., associate vice president for health sciences, received the University of Florida College of Dentistry alumni award in fall 2007, recognizing his extensive involvement in organized dentistry, and for his work as a dental educator, practitioner, and writer.

Sarrett received his D.M.D. from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1977. From 1978-93, he served as instructor, assistant professor and then associate professor of operative dentistry. He completed an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering with emphasis on polymers and composite at the University of Florida in 1988.

In 1993, Sarrett accepted the position of chair, Department of General Practice in Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. He continued his service in teaching and research while serving as department chair at VCU. In 1999, he was promoted to the rank of professor. Sarrett became the assistant dean for academic affairs at VCU School of Dentistry in 2000 and led the accreditation process for the school’s nine dental education programs. In 2003, Sarrett was appointed associate vice president for health sciences for academic affairs for VCU.

Sarrett has made numerous scientific and clinical presentations locally, nationally and internationally and has published more than 40 articles and abstracts. He continues to practice general dentistry while serving as a member of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, associate editor for the Journal of the American Dental Association, and editor for the ADA Professional Products Review, which debuted in July 2006.

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Sciences has named Quincy Byrdsong as the new Executive Director of Research Administration for VCU Health Sciences and VCU Health System.

As the executive director, Byrdsong will lead the efforts on the MCV Campus to strengthen research administration and increase compliance with federal and industry research standards. He will also assist other University leadership in identifying best practices for research administration and customizing research administration educational programs for faculty and staff on the MCV Campus.

"We are extremely pleased that Mr. Byrdsong is joining VCU Health Sciences," said Alan D. Johns, assistant vice president for Health Sciences - Financial and Administrative Affairs. "His expertise in research administration and leadership in the profession will serve to be a tremendous asset to the MCV Campus as we continue to expand our research agenda."

Byrdsong, who was selected based on his extensive qualifications in research administration and clinical trials management, will work with Johns and others to develop the infrastructure needed to support Health Sciences' growing and increasingly complex research programs. Byrdsong will also work closely with VCU's School of Medicine as they continue implementing their research strategic plan.

Most recently, Byrdsong served as the administrative program director for clinical and translational research for the School of Medicine and chair of the Institutional Review Board at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. He has served in several capacities in academic medical centers including director of the Meharry Institutional Review Board, department administrator for neurology and fiscal officer for the Meharry Center for Women's Health Research. Additionally, he served as a research services consultant for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Byrdsong earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees at Middle Tennessee State University, and he is currently working towards a doctorate of education at Tennessee State University.

See VCU News release.