UK Dentistry Alumni Celebrate First African-American Graduate and Faculty Member
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2016) — Alumni from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry will use this weekend's homecoming as a chance to connect with Drs. Benjamin Nero and Robert Biggerstaff and raise funds for the Drs. Nero and Biggerstaff Diversity Scholarship Endowment at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.
Nero ('67) was the first African-American student at the UK College of Dentistry. He grew up on a farm in Greenwood, Miss., that his grandfather bought after being freed from slavery. Nero went on to have a successful career and practice dentistry for over 40 years.
He is a graduate of Kentucky State University where he received his undergraduate degree in biology with minors in chemistry and English. He went on to attend UK for dental school followed by a three-year residency in orthodontics at Albert Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia. Nero also took over the orthodontic practice of the first African-American orthodontist, Knowlton Atterbeary, in Philadelphia in 1970.
Nero is committed to furthering diversity in dentistry and is troubled by the declining number of African-Americans pursuing a career in the field. He is now semi-retired and honored that UK has a scholarship honoring his and Dr. Biggerstaff's legacy.
“I’m overwhelmingly grateful to the university for this honor. It came as a true surprise to me and I’m sure that the funds raised will be a true blessing to the students selected as recipients over the years," he said. "I plan to continue to work and support this scholarship.”
Biggerstaff was the first African-American faculty member at the UK College of Dentistry. He is a native of Richmond, Ky., and a graduate of Howard University where he received his bachelor's degree and dental degree. He also received a master's degree and Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania.
Biggerstaff, the son of a dentist, has done notable work that has led to grants and recognition for the college. His accomplishments resulted in him being appointed to chair of the Division of Orthodontics. He continues to be devoted to diversity in dental education and his commitment is reflected in the number of students from underrepresented groups who represent the UK College of Dentistry in Kentucky and beyond.
Established in 2010 by a group of UK Dentistry alumni, the scholarship is open to all qualified College of Dentistry students and awarded in accordance with UK's interest in diversity. Consideration is given, but not limited, to dental students who contribute to educational diversity. Students must be enrolled full-time, must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or ranked in the top one-half of the class, demonstrated leadership potential and demonstrated involvement in the community.
For more information about the Drs. Nero and Biggerstaff Scholarship, contact Dr. Carol Bolden at drcarolbolden1961@gmail.com. Questions concerning UKCD Development can be directed to Linda Epling at 859-323-6918. Students interested in the scholarship can learn more here.
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