IUPUI

Dr. Adams, who is a 1949 dental graduate of IU, was the first African American to be appointed to the dental school's faculty. He arrived in 1954, while in the middle of his postgraduate studies in oral surgery. His 50 years as an educator have been balanced with a highly successful private practice and a lifetime of humanitarian efforts on behalf of Marion County residents in need.

For years, Dr. Adams has played an invaluable role in helping the dental school develop strategies for recruiting and retaining minority dental students. In 2002, Citizens Gas & Coke Utility established an annual scholarship program named in honor of Dr. Adams, who long served as president of the utility's board of trustees. The program assists minority IU dental students from Marion County.

Dr. Adams' tireless efforts on behalf of the community-- including many thousands of hours donated to improving children's health -- have helped give rise to his reputation as one of Indianapolis' outstanding civic leaders. He has served on the governing boards of numerous businesses and civic groups, including 10 years as vice president of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission. He was co-chair of the city's landmark Tanselle-Adams Commission on Police Use of Deadly Force. Among the many high honors Dr. Adams has received was his appointment, by Governor Evan Bayh in 1990, as a Sagamore of the Wabash . Dr. Adams is also only one of three IU School of Dentistry alumnus to receive an honorary Doctorate of Science degree from IU.