SOD Staff Council's Be Seen In Green event during World Smile Day in 2025As one academic year comes to a close and another begins, the UAB School of Dentistry Staff Council is recognizing the accomplishments of its outgoing members while welcoming a new group of representatives committed to supporting faculty and staff across the school.
Throughout the past year, the Staff Council continued its mission of strengthening communication, encouraging engagement and fostering a positive workplace culture. Through the work of its committees and volunteers, council members identified opportunities to enhance the employee experience while organizing activities that brought colleagues together and celebrated the people who make the School of Dentistry a special place to work.
Highlights of the year included the work of the Governance and Bylaws Committee, which led the development and adoption of the Staff Council's first comprehensive bylaws. The new bylaws establish a clear framework for representation, leadership and council operations, helping ensure continuity as new members and officers assume their roles in the years ahead. The committee also led the membership selection process for the council's 2026-2028 term, helping establish broad representation from departments and units across the School of Dentistry.
The Staff Development and Engagement Committee focused on fostering professional growth, employee engagement and school pride. Committee members organized employee appreciation activities throughout the year, including a Valentine's celebration, ice cream social, and Wellness Dance Break that brought colleagues together outside their daily work routines. They also represented the School of Dentistry in the UAB Homecoming Parade and hosted a UAB Be Seen in Green tabling event, encouraging participation in university traditions and strengthening connections across the UAB community.
An ad hoc training committee partnered with school leadership to support staff programming during the School of Dentistry's spring EXCEL activities, helping provide learning and development opportunities for employees across the school.
SOD Staff Council participating in the 2025 UAB Homecoming ParadeThe Staff Council extends its appreciation to the outgoing members whose service, ideas and dedication helped move these initiatives forward.
"We truly appreciate the work of our dedicated council members," said 2026-2026 Chair Charlene Paige. "Their efforts have helped build a stronger foundation for staff engagement, professional development and shared governance within the School of Dentistry."
Members concluding their service at the end of the 2024-2026 term include Tiffany Brooks, who served as council chair during the 2024-2025 academic year; Lynne Jarreau, who chaired the Governance and Bylaws Committee; and Cherri West, Nancy Parsons, and Wynde Winters, whose service helped advance the council's initiatives and activities throughout the term.
The council also welcomes its newly selected representatives and elected leadership, who will continue representing staff from across the School of Dentistry.
"I am excited to work with such a talented and diverse group of staff representatives," said 2026-2027 Chair Chris Washington. "Together, we will continue building on the council's progress and supporting our faculty and staff in meaningful ways."
Staff Council
2026-2027 Officers
Chair: Christopher Washington
Chair Elect: Robert Hubbard
Secretary: Sheila Turner
Treasurer: Elizabeth Bolton
Immediate Past Chair: Charlene Paige
2026-2028 Representatives
Carmen Black, Clinical Affairs
Liz Bolton, Department of Periodontology
Theresa Creel, Dean’s Office
Robert Hubbard, Department of Restorative Sciences/Sterilization
Cheryl Kennedy, Department of Restorative Sciences/Administrative Team
Teresa Mann, Department of Clinical & Community Sciences
Josemanuel Mendez, Health Information and Business Systems
Charlene Paige, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Rhana Pittman, Department of Restorative Sciences/CCC Assistants
Julie Sai’d, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Wendy Scripps, Admissions & Student Services
Smitha Senan, Department of Restorative Sciences/1st Floor Clinics
Quinesha Tate, Department of Endodontics
Kameio Taylor, Department of Restorative Sciences/Division of Prosthodontics
Sheila Turner, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Christopher Washington, Institute of Oral Health Research
Lindsay White, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Karla Wright, Department of Restorative Sciences/CCC Coordinators
Alternates
Matt Chumley, Health Information & Business Systems
Ashley Crawford, Department of Restorative Sciences
Ericka Bradberry-Fuller, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Mary Bumpers, Department of Endodontics
Patrice Headington, Department of Periodontology
Amber Jackson, Institute of Oral Health Research
Cassandra Rodgers, Department of Restorative Sciences/Administrative Team
Kelly Stinson, Admissions & Student Services
Emily Turner, Clinical Affairs
Through the efforts of its committees and representatives, the Staff Council serves as a liaison between staff and school leadership, providing a forum for ideas, questions and collaboration while helping strengthen the sense of community across the School of Dentistry.