Wayne W. Barkmeier, DDS, and Carolyn A. Barkmeier
The Dr. Wayne W. and Carolyn A. Barkmeier Endowed Fund for Research in Dentistry
When Dr. Wayne Barkmeier came to Creighton University in 1978 as a faculty member, his assignment was very clear: oral and maxillofacial surgery. So was his objective: to start a dental clinic at the then-Saint Joseph Hospital, the University’s teaching hospital.
So, Dr. Barkmeier wrote the grant that would have funded the clinic. He got the grant, but the funding was vetoed by President Jimmy Carter, who back then was on a belt-tightening mission.
Thus, Dr. Barkmeier joined the faculty in operative dentistry in the Creighton School of Dentistry – and except for a pair of years the young dentist spent in corporate research and development – the School has been his “home” ever since.
Lucky for Creighton … and the research Dr. Barkmeier has inspired in the School ever since.
A native Nebraskan and a 1969 graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Dr. Barkmeier took a dental entry in the US Air Force at graduation. This allowed him to earn an MS in biomedical science and to engage in research while still fulfilling his military obligations. He would spend nine more years in the Air Force.
On coming to Creighton, dental research – and putting Creighton’s School of Dentistry on the map because of it – became a key professional focus for Dr. Barkmeier.
First as a member of the faculty, then as assistant dean – and later associate dean – of research, Dr. Barkmeier would ultimately serve for 11 years as dean of the School of Dentistry.
During his tenure, Creighton’s School became internationally known for its research acumen. Dr. Barkmeier not only conducted extensive research of his own, authoring more than 140 articles in professional journals and lecturing throughout the world on dental materials and restorative procedures. He was also an inspiration to his colleagues, especially in his role as dean.
It is not surprising, therefore, that dental research is the focus of the Barkmeiers’ generous endowed gift to Creighton’s School of Dentistry.
“Both of us are very grateful for what Creighton has provided for our family,” Dr. Barkmeier said. “As part of our estate planning, this gift will let us be part of Creighton’s future. I have such an appreciation … of how much endowments can help.”
Endowments can also fund specific programs and help to hold down costs, the Barkmeiers believe.
“And we would hope (our gift) would help grow the research programs of the School of Dentistry … This will help the School recruit even more research faculty.
“In fact, Carolyn and I would like to see this endowment really grow over the years – to help in any area; to help start up programs for research; to improve teaching and patient care; to develop new knowledge.”
Developing new knowledge: It’s been a life-long passion for this Creighton dentist. And now, together, Wayne and Carolyn Barkmeier’s generosity will fund a whole new generation of dental research – as young minds pose the questions that uncover new answers.