Dr. Elsbeth Kalenderian, dean of Marquette University School of Dentistry, has announced changes to the school’s senior staff in the areas of external and student affairs.
Carol Trecek, Arts ’86, Grad ’91, has accepted the position of assistant dean of external affairs after 30 years as director of continuing education and alumni relations. She will oversee marketing, communications, fund development efforts, alumni relations and continuing education. There will be a search for a new continuing education program director.
As a cross-campus collaborator, Trecek served on the University Leadership Council and as chair and vice chair of the University Staff Senate from 2019-‘23. She was a member of the School of Dentistry dean search committee and currently serves on the University Staff Compensation Project Committee. Nationally, she has served as both chair and councilor of the American Dental Education Association Section on Continuing Education. She has held the title of treasurer of the Association for Continuing Dental Education since 2004.
Katie Koncki, Grad ’06, has been named the inaugural assistant dean of student affairs after previously holding the title of director of student success and practice transitions. In her new role, she will continue to manage her unit in addition to overseeing the dental school’s office of admissions, the office of DEI & Belonging and the newly established mental health program. The role was created to ensure that the school’s programs and services are aligned with institutional goals and effectively meet the needs of a diverse student body.
Koncki has worked in higher education since 2001, including two stints at Marquette totaling 10 years. She joined MUSoD in 2019. In her previous posts at Marquette, Koncki played a key role in developing the office of student success and practice transition’s mission to provide a holistic experience for students, supporting them from their entry into dental school through their transition into practice and beyond. She also fostered strong relationships with dental community partners.
Cassie Stewart has been named director of admissions for the School of Dentistry, a role previously held by Brian Trecek. Stewart, who held the position of associate director, has worked in the admissions office since 2011. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Superior, she serves as an advisory group member of the American Dental Education Association and as a MUSoD admissions committee member. Among her accomplishments, Stewart led the transition of traditional in-person recruitment efforts to digital platforms, including virtual interviews, campus tours and presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These individuals have each spent many years committed to growing and shaping our dental school by supporting its lifeblood: our students and alumni,” Kalenderian said. “I look forward to working with Carol, Katie and Cassie more closely in their new roles to ensure the School of Dentistry continues to recruit, develop and promote the best future and current dentists.”
