I deeply believe in the following values for guiding my professional life and use them when reaching decisions that will affect the School of Dentistry.

Superior Performance
Because the citizens of North Carolina deserve nothing less, in the School of Dentistry meeting the standard or being average is not enough. The school will surpass the expectations placed upon us by others, whether they are patients receiving care, students and residents here to be educated and trained, faculty and staff expecting fulfilling careers, or the general public of the state wanting health improving scientific discoveries.

Respect for Others
Because no effective organization can function without widespread mutual respect, treating one another as we expect others to treat each of us is the foundation upon which all relationships in the school are based. These include those with and between staff, students, residents, and faculty members of the School of Dentistry family, and all other individuals working with the school or coming to the school as patients.

Integrity
Because no alternative is compatible with maintaining the trust so vital to achieving lofty objectives, complete honesty is necessary and expected in all facets of the school’s functions including those conducted both on and off campus.

Diversity
Because heterogeneity of ideas, backgrounds, cultures and other aspects of human existence is proven to strengthen organizations, an unwavering quest will be made to continually improve all types of diversity in all facets of the School of Dentistry.

Professionalism
Because of the proud tradition of outstanding adherence to professional behavior established by decades of dental professionals who preceded us,
the School of Dentistry faculty serve as role models of professional and ethical behavior, and actively help insure that this tradition is passed to our trainees.

Collaboration
Because in most human endeavors working as a team garners better results than the sum of individuals working independently, all members of the School of Dentistry family continually seek ways to establish, grow and preserve collaborative relationships with others within and outside of East Carolina University.

Caring
Because of the vulnerable state many patients, students and residents, faculty and staff sometimes face in their personal lives or as part of seeking care at the School of Dentistry, the school is dedicated to caring for the needs of all within the School of Dentistry family and our patient customers in a compassionate manner.

Stewardship
Because the assets of our students, patients, donors, granting organizations, parent institution, state, country and planet are so valuable, the School of Dentistry must make every effort to be careful stewards of those assets and consume them wisely. We must constantly strive to improve productivity and find ways to eliminate wasteful use of those resources for which we are responsible.