Dr. Ronald Woody – 25 Years
Dr. Ronald Woody is celebrating 25 years of service to Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry this year.
After completing 20 years as director of the graduate prosthodontic program, he currently is professor and director of implant dentistry in the Department of Restorative Sciences. He is a man on the move.
Avid sailor, rose gardener, fisherman, photographer and family man are just a few words to describe Woody when he is not at work at HSC-BCD. Perhaps his greatest love, other than his family and dentistry, is sailing. He began the sport when he was 5 years old growing up in Canada, kept sailing through his dental school years in Milwaukee and continues to this day.
During summer 2008 Woody, his son David and six other crew members sailed a 35-foot racing boat named Coyote in the 100th annual Chicago-Mackinac Race, placing ninth in their class (see story in the October 2008 Baylor Dental Record Online). Although participating in “The Mac” was exhilarating, Woody says his favorite sailing destination is anywhere in the Caribbean.
Ironically, when not on the water, Woody likes to landscape and particularly appreciates the challenge of growing roses. He also enjoys travel and photography.
As director of implant dentistry at the college, Woody says that his work is gratifying because he makes a difference in the lives of predoctoral students and residents. He also takes pleasure in the camaraderie he has experienced over the years with faculty, students and staff.
Woody is recognized as a dedicated educator and leader, recently receiving the Distinguished Service Award at the American College of Prosthodontists annual session in San Diego. The award was given in honor of Woody’s “significant contributions to the welfare and advancement of the ACP and the specialty of prosthodontics, outstanding contributions to dentistry, advances to the sciences and health professions and for displaying the characteristics of a true humanitarian.” Woody also was honored by the American Dental Association upon the completion of his four-year term as a commissioner on the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation and chair of the ADA prosthodontic review committee.
While he is a man of many interests and accomplishments, Woody says, “My wife of 50 years, three sons, and five granddaughters have given direction and balance to my life, and their constant support is responsible for anything I might have achieved.”
PHOTO CAPTION:
Woody sailing the “America”, a replica of the
101 ft. yacht that won the first race in England.
The trophy for that race has since been called
the “America’s Cup” which is the oldest active
trophy in international sports.