Great Expectations
Student Mentor Program
2026 Winners: Hasegawa House
Hasegawa House, led by Dr. Lara Coseo and Dr. Audrey Stansbury, won this year’s competition by just 3 points!
Purpose of Academic Houses
The system of academic houses exists to build students’ individual confidence by creating a climate of professionalism through shared purpose. The houses will:
- Foster positive, meaningful, authentic relationships between peers and their House Lead;
- Provide an enhanced sense of community and foster student support systems through enhanced interpersonal interaction within and between Houses;
- Support students’ professional identity formation through conversations with the House leader, modeling all aspects of the life of a dental professional;
- Provide safe, shared spaces where students can discuss personal and professional difficulties to enhance overall well-being;
- Create a practical and less formal avenue for addressing practical issues/concerns on topics such as time-management, availing oneself of academic resources, and school-related concerns;
- Offer enriched opportunities for social networking and service.
Houses Ranked by Points Earned
Points are awarded to each house based on the participation of its members in organized activities, including:
- Community service
- Career development
- Wellness events
- Peer mentorship
- Collaborative learning
- Academic advising
- House spirit campaigns
- Leadership development
- Team building
House Namesakes
Holliday House Dr. Marie Holliday
Dr. Marie "Doc" Holliday is a prominent dentist, entrepreneur, and community leader. She is widely recognized for her long-standing dental practice and her significant contributions to the downtown Fort Worth business community.
Alexander House Dr. Moody Alexander
Dr Alexander joined Baylor College of Dentistry in 1975. As Orthodontics department head he became especially aware of the first year dental students' need for compassionate support. Ultimately, with the help of other faculty, Great Expectations was founded.
Gannaway House Dr. Mark Gannaway
Dr. Gannaway joined the College of Dentistry in 1999 and served in a variety of roles over a 20-year career. He was the director of several programs, including the Comprehensive Care Program and the Great Expectations Mentoring Program, and gave hundreds of lectures during his time at the college.
Holyfield House Dr. Lavern Holyfield
Dr. Holyfield was the first African American woman to enroll at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, what was then known as Baylor College of Dentistry. She directed the oversight, planning and implementation of initiatives to foster professional development and skills enhancement among the faculty.
Buschang House Dr. Peter Buschang
As a researcher, Dr. Buschang has published over 260 peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters, given over 150 invited lectures and workshops in 14 different countries, and has served as associate editor of several journals. Dr. Buschang has mentored over 160 Master's and PhD projects, and over 50 dental students.
Blanton House Dr. Patricia Blanton
Dr. Blanton, professor emeritus in biomedical sciences, received the 2014 William John Gies Award from the American College of Dentists along with terms as president of the American College of Dentists, Texas Dental Association, Southwest Society of Periodontists, Dallas County Dental Society and vice president of the American Dental Association.
Miller House Dr. Amp Miller
Dr. Amp W. Miller III is a highly respected prosthodontist and a cornerstone of dental education in Texas. He recently retired in May 2026 after a storied 53-year career at the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, where he was known as a "legendary" professor and mentor to generations of dentists.
Anderton House Dr. Robert Anderton
A former president of both the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association, Dr. Anderton also earned his law degree and master’s degree to better address rapidly changing healthcare regulations and policies.
Mash House Dr. Kay Mash
Dr. Kay Mash is an esteemed dental educator and clinician who served the College of Dentistry for 37-years. Dr. Mash was widely celebrated for her dedication to her students and was a two-time recipient of the student-selected Teacher of the Year award, earning a reputation as a compassionate and selfless mentor.
Hasegawa House Dr. Thomas K. Hasegawa
Dr. Hasegawa was an educator and administrator at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. A member of the American and Texas Dental Associations and the American Dental Educators Association, dental ethics education was his passion.
Lacy House Dr. Ernestine Lacy
Dr. Ernestine S. Lacy is a distinguished dental educator and administrator who served as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and is a member of the College’s Hall of Fame. Before her dental career, she spent 17 years as a high school math and science teacher.
Great Expectations Program Contacts
