Meet UMB’s Educator of the Year

About Andrea Morgan, DDS, MS

Andrea Morgan is a clinical assistant professor, director of student advocacy and cultural affairs, and director of student recruitment at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD). As course director for Dental Anatomy, she teaches the first course that dental students encounter, then works closely with students to identify areas for growth and help them develop the skills and strategies they need to succeed academically. As director of student advocacy and cultural affairs and director of student recruitment, she is a trusted mentor and advocate. She pairs students with faculty or peer mentors, provides academic support and guidance for students taking the National Board Dental Examination, and helps students access a range of on-campus services.

Impact

Morgan is the faculty advisor to UMSOD’s Student National Dental Association chapter, which promotes and supports dental students from underrepresented groups. The chapter has received first or second place in the SNDA Chapter of the Year competition (large chapter category) for 13 years, recognizing its fundraising, public service, and outreach efforts aimed at encouraging high school and undergraduate students in underrepresented populations to pursue oral health careers. In 2024, the chapter was honored with a UMB Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Recognition Award for outstanding student group. Morgan also has served on the UMB Diversity Advisory Council in various capacities, including chair of its Education and Awareness Committee. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors, including UMSOD’s Russell Gigliotti Award for Excellence in Teaching (twice) and induction into the International College of Dentists, the oldest and largest international dental honor society.

Quotes

“I love when I see the light bulb go off in the eyes of a first-year student when I am explaining a dental concept. Then in the clinic, I get to witness students transition into caring and competent dental professionals as they provide care to their patients.” — Morgan

“To be a student under Dr. Morgan’s guidance is to know that someone is always in your corner, someone will advocate for you, support you, and believe in you even when you struggle to believe in yourself. She is the kind of educator whose impact ripples far beyond the classroom. She shapes better students, better dentists, and better people.” — Jade Weatherington, fourth-year UMSOD student and president of the school’s SNDA chapter