James S. Cole, D.D.S. Dean, Baylor College of Dentistry

In August 2000, Dr. James S. Cole was appointed dean of Baylor College of Dentistry after serving as its interim dean since December 1999. He also served as interim president of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center from October 2000 through December 2001, after serving as senior adviser to the HSC president. Prior to his leave of absence, Cole served as the college’s chief operating officer, chief financial officer and vice dean for a total of 11 years, guiding all administrative, fiscal, legal and corporate matters. In 1990, Cole, then vice president and director of computer services at BCD, assumed the additional responsibilities of serving as the college's interim president and dean for six months. Later that year, Cole was promoted to executive vice president/associate dean.

Cole first joined the college faculty in 1977 as an instructor in restorative sciences. In 1981, he accepted an appointment as director of computer services, a responsibility he retained through 1992 along with his additional executive duties. He has since become a professor in restorative sciences and continues to teach part time.

A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cole has lived in Texas for the past 50 years. After graduation from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1967, Cole served in the Navy, reaching the rank of lieutenant before his discharge in 1971. He went on to earn his doctor of dental surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1975, and maintained a private practice before joining the BCD faculty.

Cole is a member of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. In May 1999, Cole was named 2000 Dentist of the Year by the Dallas County Dental Society for his continuous service to facilitate dental education in Texas and the nation. In May 2001, the Texas Legislature honored Cole for his outstanding accomplishments in academia. State Rep. Tony Goolsby of Dallas introduced the resolution, which commended Cole for his achievements in dental education.