Alumni Reflections
Celebrating 50 Years of Lives Changed
As we celebrate 50 years of helping Mississippians have the best possible dental health, it is rewarding to hear reflections from our graduates about their careers and what the School of Dentistry has meant to their profession.
Karen M. Crews, DMD
Class of 1986
I am proud to have graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry where I know that I received a world class education. I was very prepared to serve my patients! When I was approached by Dr. William Alexander and Dr. John Hembree to join the faculty at the school, I was honored. Being a member of the faculty at the school for 25 years provided me with so many wonderful opportunities! I truly loved academics and in my role was able to serve the community and state as well as work with dental students to achieve their goals and dreams. There are colleagues that I remain friends with to this day! I think of the UMMC School of Dentistry with much gratitude. The current leadership and faculty are doing a great job educating and inspiring our future colleagues to serve Mississippi and the nation!
Michelle Crews, DMD
Class of 2004
Attending UMMC School of Dentistry was a transformative chapter in my life that not only developed my clinical skills but also my character. While challenging me intellectually, it also pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me the value of precision and patience. More than anything, it gave me a solid foundation and confirmed my passion for dentistry and my commitment to lifelong service.
The friendships I made, the mentors who guided me, and the patients who trusted me were all essential to my growth. I developed relationships that have lasted 20+ years. I still call, text, and meet up with many of them on a regular basis. I personally have an incredibly supportive group of UMMC alumni that is always there for each other with advice and support. During the Covid-19 crisis, this group of dentists was integral in navigating that uncharted territory.
Through my time at UMMC School of Dentistry, I developed a deep appreciation for the privilege of caring for others. I learned that dentistry is not just about restoring teeth—it’s about restoring confidence, alleviating pain, and supporting my community.
Sarah Crisler Carlisle, DMD
Class of 2003
Reflecting on my time as a dental student at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry from 1999 to 2003, I’m filled with positive memories. During that period, our class had only 30 students, which allowed me to develop several lifelong friendships and maintain a strong camaraderie with many of my classmates. Our dental faculty truly got to know us, and I believe I received an exceptional education at an affordable price compared to other dental schools in the country. I’m incredibly grateful for my career as a dentist and feel fortunate to be able to stay in my home state of Mississippi and serve my community for many years. Currently, I’m actively involved in giving back to the dental school by serving as the incoming president of the alumni board. Additionally, I’ve recently started working part-time in the clinic, assisting students and sharing my knowledge with the next generation of dentists. As I look to the future, I’m excited about the opportunities to continue making a positive impact and giving back to the school that has given so much to me.
Chandler Llana Hawkins, DMD
Class of 2018
My dental school experience at UMMC shaped every part of my life in the best way. It introduced me to my husband and closest friends, gave me a career I am proud of, and instilled in me a passion for serving others through dentistry. Even now, years later, teachers who guided me during school continue to mentor and support me in personal and professional endeavors. I’m so grateful to be the product of a school that values connection, purpose, and excellence.
Fanasy Jefcoat, DMD
Class of 2003
Attending the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry literally set the trajectory for my life. Not only did I get a great education, but the school is also where I found my passion for periodontics, made lifelong friends, became involved in organized dentistry and was given the ability to provide for my family while caring for patients in my community. My time at UMMC SOD included some of my favorite, although challenging, years. The skill sets I learned while in dental school have carried me through all of my life. I love the school and was so grateful for my education there that I wanted to give back to the students that were pursuing the same career I had chosen. To do that, I became a part-time faculty member in the periodontics department for many years and still serve as a guest lecturer in a few courses. Helping students achieve their goals to becoming dentists has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. Without the School of Dentistry, I would not have been afforded any of these wonderful experiences.
Beau Murphey, DMD
Class of 2015
Dental school was one of the most formative and meaningful times of my life. It was filled with incredible friendships, lasting memories, and experiences I’ll always treasure. While it certainly came with its share of challenges, one of the greatest highlights was the extensive hands-on exposure I received across all areas of dentistry. Even now, when I attend continuing education courses around the country, I’m often surprised to hear how little clinical experience some of my colleagues had during school compared to what we were privileged to receive. I’m especially grateful for the strong foundation built at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. That foundation has shaped my entire career, reminding me that mastering advanced procedures begins with truly understanding the principles beneath them. I’m thankful my education emphasized that from the very beginning.
Kyle Neely, DMD
Class of 2017
The dental school has been the cornerstone of Mississippi’s oral health care since its establishment. It has produced some of the best dentists in the United States. As an ASDA representative during my studies, I had the opportunity to connect with numerous other school professionals and program directors. Upon learning of my Mississippi origin, they asked if I would recommend their program to graduating students seeking further education. When I would ask why, their responses consistently emphasized that our graduates were better prepared for real-world dentistry due to our comprehensive approach. I firmly believe that this holistic approach to dentistry provided us with a well-rounded education that extended beyond the oral cavity and emphasized treating patients as a whole. Without the contributions of the dental school, I would not be able to pursue my passion for dentistry. In fact, I believe that many dentists in Mississippi would concur with this sentiment.
Ambika R. Srivastava, DMD, MPH
Class of 2020
The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry has been a cornerstone of my dental career, shaping both my values and vision as a health care provider. The dedicated faculty, staff, and peers provided a strong clinical and ethical foundation that enables me to deliver high-quality care to patients across the South and in rural Alaska. UMMC emphasized treating the whole patient—not just their oral health needs—which instilled in me a deep respect for compassion, communication, and cultural sensitivity in clinical practice. That patient-centered approach remains at the core of how I practice dentistry today. During my time at UMMC, I had the invaluable opportunity to attend several national and international conferences, which sparked my passion for organized dentistry, advocacy, and professional collaboration. These experiences broadened my perspective and connected me with colleagues and mentors nationwide—relationships I continue to maintain five years post-graduation. The mentorship I received also fostered my leadership skills and inspired my commitment to advancing oral health equity, particularly in underserved communities. UMMC SOD’s emphasis on service, innovation, and academic excellence continues to guide my professional journey and strengthens my dedication to service and engagement within the dental community.
Stephanie Tullos, DMD
Class of 2003
Choosing a career is one of the most significant—and often daunting—decisions a young person faces. At 20 years old, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you confidently choose a lifelong path when you haven’t yet explored all the options? That was exactly where I found myself: unsure, anxious, and searching for direction. I considered everything—from veterinarian to lawyer to doctor. Then one day, almost on a whim, I thought, what about dentistry? And just like that, a decision was made. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have chosen the right path. In 1999, I entered the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry, and by 2003, I had completed a transformative journey that would shape the rest of my life. What I initially saw as a profession turned out to be a calling—one that allowed me to impact lives in ways I had never imagined. Dental school taught me far more than clinical skills. It taught me how to restore confidence, relieve pain, and improve overall health through oral care. It gave me the tools not only to craft beautiful smiles but to truly change lives. After graduating, I returned to my home county to serve my community. I now run a local clinic where I treat patients from ages 2 to 92—and sometimes even older. Each day, I have the privilege of helping people from all walks of life. One memorable moment? Being named an honorary member of the Raleigh High School baseball team after replacing a front tooth knocked out during practice. That’s the kind of meaningful connection this career has given me. I’m proud of the path I chose—however uncertain it may have felt at the time. And I’m especially grateful for the world-class education and life-changing opportunities I received from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry.
Tammy Vujanovic, DMD
Class of 2025
The UMMC School of Dentistry did more than just teach me the technical skill of being a dentist. Through the mentorship at our school, I found passions for research, service, advocacy and the confidence that I could do all of those things through dentistry. While I was a student, there were many things that I expressed an interest in. Whether it was presenting research, shadowing a specialty through externships, visiting the State Capitol, or even running a marathon for a children's dental charity, every single time my inquiries were met with "we will find a way to make this happen." It was very empowering to know that the faculty members at our school cared about us and encouraged our development as young adults into young professionals, and all of this through dentistry.