Spears to assume role as associate dean for academic affairs at UTHealth School of Dentistry

Dr. Robert Spears will depart from his role as professor of biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry in January to assume leadership as the associate dean for academic affairs at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry.

Spears, also TAMBCD director of curriculum and of student research, has worked at the dental school for nearly 30 years, first as a research technician and then as a faculty member. He earned his doctoral degree in biomedical sciences from the college in 2002. A three-time Teacher of the Year, Spears has served in biomedical sciences teaching roles since 1994. During that time, he has received numerous accolades for his dedication to students and research, including the 2012 Mentor of the Year award from the National Student Research Group and the Basmajian Award for teaching excellence from the American Association of Anatomists.