Dr. Susan McNicholas Rowan '76

The following bio was published in September 2024

Dr. Susan McNicholas Rowan ‘76 has embarked on a distinguished career in dentistry, practicing in Oak Lawn for more than 20 years while also working as a faculty member at the University of Illinois Chicago. She currently serves as dean for the UIC College of Dentistry, the first woman in the school’s nearly 112 year history to be appointed to the position. 

One of seven children, Susan and her siblings were raised by two strong and hard-working parents: their father, a dentist, and their mother, a teacher and homemaker. Because of their staunch belief in the benefits and importance of a Catholic education, Susan attended St. Linus before following her older sisters to Mother McAuley. After graduation, Susan earned her degree in Dental Hygiene from Prairie State College before continuing her education at Saint Xavier University, and ultimately earning her Bachelor’s and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. 

Susan participated in a prestigious yearlong American Dental Education Association Leadership Fellowship Program which prepared her well for the opportunities she embraced, including the roles of managing partner, clinical dean, and executive dean.

In addition to her professional achievements, Susan earned a master’s degree in Patient Safety Leadership from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, underscoring her commitment to advancing the field of dental medicine and improving patient care. Susan has been engaged in research on dental prescribing practices, including efforts in antibiotic and opioid stewardship, with more than 25 publications. She has received a number of honors over the years, including induction into the OKU Dental Honor Society for which she later became president, fellowships in the American and International Colleges of Dentistry, and faculty teaching awards. The opportunity to speak at the Mother McAuley Commencement in 2015 was a particular honor that Susan cherishes, as she credits her formative years at McAuley for laying the foundation for a lifetime of accomplishments and contributions to the field of dental medicine.

Throughout her career, Susan has managed to balance professional excellence with personal dedication, raising four children alongside her husband of 40 years, Dr. Daniel Rowan. Her ability to excel in her career while maintaining a strong family life is a testament to her remarkable organizational skills and unwavering commitment.