Smiles we remember: Laurette Lipson
Laurette Lipson
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of former College of Dentistry employee Laurette Lipson, who died July 16, one month before her 99th birthday.
Lipson joined what was then Baylor College of Dentistry in 1981 after being recruited by former dean Dr. Richard E. Bradley to serve as professor and chair of educational services. She earned a master’s degree in nursing education, with an emphasis in administration, from the University of Pittsburgh. She also completed a special assignment at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland, and served as an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska.
During more than a decade at the college, Lipson held several leadership roles. In 1990, she was appointed acting associate dean for academic planning and development, serving in that position until her retirement in 1992. Following her retirement, she continued to serve the college as executive educational specialist and consultant, providing guidance in strategic planning and outcomes assessment. Her expertise and organizational leadership played a key role in preparing the college for successful accreditation site visits.
“Dr. Lipson was an incredible resource and administrator for the college during her tenure,” said Dr. Amp Miller, former professor and director of comprehensive dentistry. “She was always willing to take on demanding assignments and complete them in an exceptionally qualified and timely manner, particularly during accreditation activities. She was always an advocate for the students and for quality educational programs, and she was a great and caring friend and mentor to many of her fellow educators. Dr. Lipson will be missed.”
Former assistant to the dean Lanelle Watkins also reflected on Lipson’s impact.
“Dr. Laurie Lipson was a woman I looked up to. Her contributions to Baylor College of Dentistry were countless,” Watkins said. “As acting associate dean for academic planning and development, she helped guide the college through times of change and the successful completion of two academic accreditation reviews. The administration of the college was truly enhanced by her presence.”
Former associate dean for academic affairs Dr. Charles Berry recalled working alongside Lipson during the college’s accreditation efforts.
“It was a pleasure working with Dr. Laurie Lipson, especially during our ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation self-study and site visits,” Berry said. “She was an amazing consensus builder and had the ability to develop appropriate and accurate narratives to the standards questions that led to consistent, successful accreditation outcomes. She will be missed.”
In recognition of her lasting contributions, Lipson was inducted into the College of Dentistry Hall of Fame in 2002.
“Dr. Lipson has been a bulwark of strength during periods of transition,” former dean Dr. James S. Cole said during her Hall of Fame induction. “She is a devoted colleague to the faculty and administration, a counselor and adviser to students and a friend to all. She has provided the college and the Health Science Center welcome and thoughtful insight on issues of great significance.”
Lipson was named associate dean emeritus on March 26, 1993, and received an honorary dental degree on June 4, 1993.
“We are thankful and blessed to have known Laurie for more than 35 years and benefited from her wisdom and friendship. We’ll always remember the number of special occasions we shared with her. She taught us about academic administration, but most importantly, she taught us so much about life,” said Dr. Richard Ceen, former professor and program director of graduate orthodontics, and Cindy Ceen, former assistant dean for administration.
According to Lipson’s wishes, no services are planned.
Texas A&M College of Dentistry extends its heartfelt condolences to Lipson’s family, friends, and all whose lives she touched through her decades of service, leadership and mentorship.