Although his dental degree is from Ohio State University and he did his perio training at the University of Washington, he said his strongest ties are with UAB and the Department of Periodontology. “Phoebe and I wanted to do something special for the school, and especially the department. I was fortunate enough to have a long career here on the faculty and to serve as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs,” said Palcanis.

The Department of Periodontology already has another professorship that bears his name. The Weatherford/Palcanis Endowed Professorship is fully endowed. It is named for Dr. Tommy Weatherford and Dr. Palcanis, and is held by the department chair, Dr. Nico Geurs. Dr. Palcanis also made generous gifts to that endowment and worked with our Development and Alumni Relations office to secure other significant gifts.

The department has a long history of philanthropic support. The Marjorie Jeffcoat Clinic was made possible through generous contributions by alumni and dental corporations. The department also has the BioHorizons faculty scholar and another professorship that will be realized through the estate of Dr. Paul weeks. “The Department of Periodontology owes a great deal to Dr. Palcanis and Dr. Weeks for endowing these professorships. Because of their generosity, we will be able to recruit and retain the best possible faculty,” said Geurs.

According to Geurs, the department will continue to make fundraising a priority for endowed faculty positions and clinic renovations and upgrades. Plans are currently being made to renovate the Jeffcoat clinic. “The chairs in the Jeffcoat Clinic are 20 years old. We also need new flooring, and we need support to make the shift to digital dentistry where we can train the next generation of periodontists,” said Geurs.