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 Robert Spears says although his hair may be graying, life
at Baylor College of Dentistry keeps him young.
"There is nothing better than working with individuals who are bright, want to learn and try hard to achieve," he says. "My colleagues, with whom I have taught and researched for
many years, as well as the administration, have done so much to progress my career that I feel I have a lot to repay. Hopefully I make a contribution."
Spears, who is assistant professor of biomedical sciences, most enjoys his contact with the students as a lecturer and faculty adviser for student research. Students are at the
heart of the most significant changes he has observed over the past 20 years: treatment of the students as colleagues, the dress code and the facilities in the teaching
laboratories. They are also the source of his most memorable moment:
"I have always given awards at the end of the gross anatomy course as a fun gesture to bring an appropriate end to a tough course," he says. "In 1996, the first-year class gave
me a card signed by all of the members in return. While each class I have taught is my favorite, to this day that moment still stands out."
Spears' family has progressed alongside his career at the college. His wife, Jo, has worked at BCD for 17 years.
"My first son, Matt, was only nine months old when I started," he says. "Daniel and Rachel were both born during my time here. They have had their entire dental work
done here and have come to know many of the students. We have a lot invested in BCD."
He adds, "My life revolves around my family as there is not much time for anything else, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
Today Spears is looking forward to the years ahead: "Another 20? Why not!"
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