Dean, Baylor College of Dentistry

Dr. James S. Cole is dean of Baylor College of Dentistry, a position he was appointed to in July 2000 after serving as interim dean of the college since December 1999. Dr. Cole also served as interim president of the Texas A&M Health Science Center from Oct. 1, 2000, to Dec. 31, 2001.

Prior to a leave of absence from BCD from 1997 to 1999, during which period he served as President and Treasurer of the Baylor Oral Health Foundation, Dr. Cole served as the college's chief operating officer, chief financial officer and vice dean for a total of 11 years, guiding all administrative, fiscal, legal and corporate matters. In 1990, Dr. Cole, then Vice President and Director of Computer Services at BCD, assumed the additional responsibilities as the college's Interim President and Dean for six months. Later that year, Dr. Cole was promoted to Executive Vice President/Associate Dean.

Dr. Cole first joined the college faculty in 1977 as an instructor in restorative sciences, then accepted in 1981 an appointment as Director of Computer Services, a responsibility he retained through 1992 along with his additional executive duties. He has since become a professor in restorative sciences and continues to teach part time.

A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Dr. Cole has lived in Texas for the past 50 years. After graduation from Stephen F. Austin State University 1967, Dr. Cole served in the Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant before his discharge in 1971. He went on to earn his D.D.S. from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1975, then maintained a private practice before joining the BCD faculty.

Dr. Cole is a member of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He was named 2000 Dentist of the Year by the Dallas County Dental Society for his continuous service to facilitate dental education in Texas and the nation.