Cindy Ceen, assistant dean for administration in the Office of the Dean, has been with Baylor College of Dentistry for nearly 12 years. She enjoys the challenges of her work and the interaction with the BCD family she serves.

Ceen's husband of seven and a half years is Dr. Richard Ceen, professor of orthodontics. "Our dependents are our cats," Ceen said. They have three: Angel, 8; Mocha, 5; and Bracket, 2.

Hometown: Dallas is home and I have never lived outside of Texas. I was born in the old St. Paul Hospital on Dec. 27.

Place I'd like to live/retire: We might like to retire in the Pacific Northwest, Napa Valley, or somewhere else with mountains and water. We like Dallas, but can't stand the allergens! We're searching now for the right location when the time comes.

Role models: I have several role models: my late mother because she sought out people who had needs and did anything she could to be generous to them; my late brother because he was intellectual, had a great dry sense of humor and was a gifted writer; my Uncle Bill in Fort Worth because he is like a father to me and taught me a lot about personal responsibility and character; Mother Teresa because she was completely selfless and taught us to love one another regardless; and my pastor, Dr. George Mason, who is intellectual, intelligent, open-minded, and helps me to understand and appreciate the "why" of why I am a Christian.

Personal motto: "Don't sweat the small stuff." However, my favorite motto is from Despair.com: "When you earnestly believe you can compensate for a lack of skill by doubling your efforts, there's no end to what you can't do."

Best thing about my job or BCD: I have the opportunity to work with and for people I enjoy and from whom I can learn. The best thing about BCD is the incredible sense of community, family and the culture of addressing the students' needs. And of course, I met my best friend here — Richard!

 Career highlight: In January 1991, I was formally offered the opportunity to return to Dallas from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston to work for Baylor College of Dentistry.

If I wasn't at BCD, I'd: be working elsewhere in higher education administration or in community service. I would like to have more time to volunteer my time at my church, the Suicide and Crisis Center or as an elder advocate. I always wanted to be a pop singer, but that seems unlikely, doesn't it?

Life philosophy: I am so blessed, but my time on this earth is insignificant in comparison with eternity. I don't have the promise of tomorrow, so I should focus on trying to live as Christ taught us throughout His life on earth.

Pet peeves: Tobacco smoke, fanatics, prejudice, anti-Semitism, whiners, snobs, parents who abandon their children in daycare to put their careers first, distracted drivers, people with SUVs who don't park correctly, people who run red lights and/or don't stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, and these darn hot flashes!

Favorite vacation destination: My favorite vacation destination is Hawaii because that's where we spent our honeymoon; it is incredibly beautiful and relaxing. My second favorite is Las Vegas because it's fun and exciting with great entertainment!

Dream car: I'm not that easily excited about cars and they depreciate too much. I consider safety to be a big factor, but my "dream car" would probably be a Lexus. However, as they don't make a real station wagon, I guess I'll keep my eight-year-old station wagon (even though it has a lousy cupholder).

Favorite hobbies: Spending time with Richard, antiquing, estate sales, garage sales and eBay!

Word that best describes me: Blessed!

Something you might not know about me: I was accepted into Baylor University on a full voice scholarship, but I thought the music program was boring. I earned my degree in psychology instead while enjoying rock-and-roll music. I love the music of the Bee Gees and I'm a card-carrying member of the Celine Dion and Barry Manilow International Fan Clubs!

Top three passions: Richard, the company of good friends and music.

What my colleagues say about me: "Cindy is a 'steel magnolia.' She has that kind of spirit, determination and heart," said Susan Mitchell Jackson, executive director of communications and development. "Cindy is one of the most generous people I've ever met; actually, she is one who truly finds more joy in giving than receiving. She laughs a lot and has this quirky sense of humor, which makes me laugh, too."

"I think of Cindy as a problem-solver," said Dr. Laurie Lipson, associate dean emeritus and executive educational specialist/consultant. "She has an excellent grasp of administrative processes and protocol; she knows how things should be done and how to get things done!

"Cindy is always ready to help, very generous with her time and caring about others," Lipson continued. "She is always professional and always thoughtful in her actions, and she is a beautiful writer and editor. Best of all, Cindy is a wonderful, supportive friend. We are very fortunate to have her as assistant dean for administration."
 

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