End of an era: Longtime library associate turns a page
Cheryl Howell had a plan when she started working as a library clerk at what’s now Texas A&M College of Dentistry.
“I was only going to be here for a little while, and then I was going to go back to get my bachelor’s (degree) in nutrition,” she said.
Luckily, Howell stayed. And after 44 years of cataloging, researching and providing either academic or emotional support – often both at the same time – to anyone who entered the library, “Ms. Cheryl” is closing this chapter and retiring today. The library associate who earned a President’s Meritorious Service Award from the Texas A&M system in 2019 and is known for her warm smile won’t be forgotten.
“Ms. Cheryl showed genuine care and compassion for our students that is appreciated by our students and alumni,” said Dr. Lily T. Garcia, dean and Texas A&M Dentistry alumna, who presented her with a tiara. “Thank you, Ms. Cheryl, for being part of Texas A&M College of Dentistry and for your personal touch in supporting a caring learning environment.”
Students and faculty from both the dental college and neighboring Baylor University Medical Center shared their thoughts and stories about Howell:
“I met her before I had even started dental school. I was volunteering with Oak Cliff Veggie Project, where we go to different locations every Saturday morning and hand out grocery produce to families for free. One of those locations happened to be Ms. Cheryl’s church.
“I was out there and noticed she was wearing a Texas A&M Dental shirt. I couldn’t help but ask her about her shirt. She mentioned to me that she works there as the librarian; I had asked her if she knew a student there who was helping with my application process, and she did. I told her I hoped to go there, as it was my first choice. She was so kind and sweet and told me that I’d get in and that she’ll see me there.
“In 2022, I started, and there we were, me in my first year and her reminding me she didn’t have a doubt. Since then, she’s always been a source of relief, comfort, and motherly love away from home. Whenever class would feel overwhelming, I’d stop by for a pick-me-up and be offered snacks galore. She cares about all the students and meets them with open arms.
“A true Texas A&M College of Dentistry gem.”
– Adriana Vega, fourth-year dental student
“I remember when I first joined the College of Dentistry, she stopped me in halls because she recognized I was a new face and just grabbed my badge to read my name. We have been wonderful colleagues ever since.
“Cheryl always invites me to the library teas and other special events at the library. She always gave me advanced notice of when she would be baking a cake, so I could be one of the first and not miss her delicious treats.”
–Dr. Peggy Timothé, associate professor in public health sciences at Texas A&M Dentistry
“When I started at Baylor in 1992, Cheryl was one of my first patients, for she was already seeing the previous ophthalmologist in my practice, Dr. Eunice Stanfield. So, she has been coming to our office for her complete eye care and (our) mutual entertainment since 1988. Of significance, Cheryl classified her job description from my records as “clerk-typist” at Baylor College of Dentistry.
“Throughout these years, she has remained special, for you can’t get any closer to some patients when you receive pound cakes and sugary treats. I wouldn’t think she would do that for just anybody, so we not only have a professional relationship, but it has grown personal over the years to the point of friendship, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We can’t do without her being down the hall, and her list of referred patients to our office goes on and on. Baylor will miss a tremendous asset, for she has served the dental college well in all aspects. I wish her nothing but happiness and the best of what is yet to come – and that comes not only in words, but from my heart as well. Love her for life.”
-Dr. C. Cordell Adams, chief of Baylor University Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology
“Three years ago, in August 2022, when I was a new arrival to Baylor and did not yet have an office, I used the library as my work area during the month before I officially started my new job. (Ms. Cheryl) greeted me, provided me a home and oriented me to my new life at BUMC. I will always be grateful for your hospitality and direction. I wish you the best of luck in the next stage of your life.”
-Dr. Byron Cryer, chair and chief of internal medicine at BUMC and professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine
“Cheryl was one of the first friendly faces I met when I joined the school 20 years ago. She welcomed me, showed me the library, and made me feel right at home.
Wishing her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”
-Dr. Hoda Abdellatif, clinical associate professor and director of community outreach for public health services at Texas A&M Dentistry
“I first met Cheryl when I started coming to BUMC from the VA Hospital to do research with (the late) Dr. (John) Fordtran in the early 1980s. Back in the pre-internet days (before PubMed), you needed to go to the library to find literature citations by hand in Index Medicus, write down the reference, and search the stacks, and make a Xerox copy or get an interlibrary loan. It was cumbersome, but librarians like Cheryl made the process easier.
In a very real way, she contributed to each of the more than 120 articles that came out of Dr. Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal Research Lab at BUMC over the last four decades. She also helped our medical staff and trainees find the information that allowed them to provide state-of-the-art care to our patients.”
-Dr. Larry Schiller, clinical professor in the Department of Medical Education Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine Dallas Campus and chair, Institutional Review Boards for Human Subject Protection Baylor Scott & White Research Institute Dallas
“Ms. Cheryl made entering this school – and (the) library of course – so warm and welcoming. I enjoy studying in the library, and her warm smile and our early morning chit-chats always brightened my day.
“One of my favorite memories together is that we bonded over our love for coffee, and one morning she shared her pumpkin spice coffee with me.”
– Michelle Wu, third-year dental student
“On behalf of our residents, fellows, and faculty, I want to sincerely thank you for the many years of support you have provided in helping our learners and researchers find the resources they need. Your expertise, guidance, and dedication have made an enormous impact in facilitating high-quality research and in providing the resources critical to further their learning and help them prepare for Board Exams. You have also had such an important role in helping our trainees feel supported and guided as they learned how to conduct research, helping shape many of them into lifelong learners and contributors to scholarly journals, textbooks, and projects shaping the future of medical science.
“Your partnership and the countless ways you have helped the growth and success of our training programs has not gone unnoticed. Your efforts have left a lasting impact on our community, and we are truly grateful for all that you have done over the course of your noteworthy career. Wishing you all the best in your retirement.”
-Dr. Cristie Columbus and the Graduate Medical Education team at Baylor Dallas
“It didn’t matter if you (were) a dental hygiene student or a dental student, an administrator or an educator, a Baylor medical student or a TAMU student; it didn’t even matter if you were a janitor or security guard. Everyone was treated with an equal amount of love and respect, and that is what I’ll forever remember and honor Ms. Cheryl for.
“I will miss her dearly and wish her all the best and a huge congratulations on her retirement. Nobody deserves this more than her, and not having her around the campus will make it feel a little (emptier).”
-Maahin Syed, second-year dental hygiene student
Don’t think this is the last page of Howell’s story with Texas A&M Dentistry.
“I am leaving the building, not the people,” she told guests at her retirement party on Thursday morning. “I’ll be back.”