Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles W. Berry celebrates 35 years at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry.

Berry says his longevity at the college is because of the people here. They're what he enjoys most about his job.

He also says his career is based on a desire to make a difference. He has applied that aspiration to academic affairs, teaching and researching in microbiology.

Currently, Berry leads the academic affairs office, which oversees the college's curriculum, faculty development and strategic plan.

Berry still does some teaching in microbiology, the discipline in which he started at the college in 1973. While he was affiliated with the microbiology department, he served as its acting chair and was awarded several research grants, frequently focusing on the effects of smokeless tobacco. His favorite memory also comes from this time, when he was named Teacher of the Year.

Outside work, Berry enjoys climbing "Colorado 14ers," the tallest peaks in that state. He treasures his family and says they "all demonstrate a love and patience with me that cannot be measured and can only come from God."