R. Lamont (Monty) MacNeil
Senior Consultant
Monty.MacNeil@academicsearch.org
Dr. R. Lamont (Monty) MacNeil could be running a periodontal practice in his native Nova Scotia today if not for a colleague offering him a research opportunity during his first year of graduate studies. Through that enlightening work, Dr. MacNeil discovered the unchartered possibilities in the world of medical studies that would lead to his lifelong commitment to academia, and eventually led him to Academic Search.
Dr. MacNeil is a first-generation college graduate who appreciates the unexpected doors opened to him through higher education. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, and he practiced dentistry for six years in his home province. Dr. MacNeil also earned a certificate of advanced education in periodontics and a Master of Dental Science degree from the University of Connecticut, but not before he realized he wanted to pursue teaching, research, and executive leadership. Rather than return to Canada to be a periodontist, Dr. MacNeil kicked off a three-decade career in higher education administration and teaching.
He taught various health sciences and dentistry courses at Indiana University and the University of Michigan, and he continues to teach at UConn as professor and dean emeritus. While Dr. MacNeil was teaching at Michigan, UConn’s School of Dental Medicine recruited him back to his alma mater, and he was named associate dean for academic affairs in 1998. He then served as the School of Dental Medicine’s dean from 2007 to 2018. Dr. MacNeil’s time at UConn spans more than 24 years, and his leadership helped shape the school’s impressive outcomes and strong reputation.
Dr. MacNeil is focused on the importance of unifying medical care. He hopes to see fields like dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and more working holistically rather than separately. Coincidentally, that’s how Dr. MacNeil approaches his work as a senior consultant. Although his background is in dentistry, he is drawn to search opportunities in all areas of health sciences and beyond, and his leadership experience and university governance knowledge can be applied to all disciplines. Dr. MacNeil values the significance of collaboration and making decisions that have multifaceted impacts.
As the dean, Dr. MacNeil was a member of, or often chaired, search committees when the university or its health colleges sought an important hire. Through these experiences, he developed a great appreciation for the work of a consulting firm and the guidance a consultant can provide. He understands that every position is precious, and every hire is an opportunity to impact the school’s trajectory.
