DALLAS – When it opened in 1905, it was just known as State Dental College. Since 1918, it’s had a much different association: Baylor College of Dentistry.
“The word ‘Baylor’ is not just something used lightly,” said alumni association president Dr. Jonathan Clemetson. “It’s a legacy. It really is a legacy.”
It’s been a part of the Texas A&M University System since 1996. And while the system seal is on the building, the school does not have A&M in its name.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp wants that to change.
“They are the best, and I think when you have the best, you want the world to know it,” he told regents Thursday afternoon.
Friday, regents are expected to vote to add the A&M brand to several agencies within the system. For example, the Texas Forest Service will become the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Texas Engineering Extension Service will become the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.
Regents will also discuss whether to begin negotiations with Baylor on how to add the A&M name to the college of dentistry.
One proposal: Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, with the words “Texas A&M” in maroon, and perhaps twice as large as “Baylor.”
If negotiations don’t go well, it is possible the school could become the Texas A&M College of Dentistry.