Karen Faraone has studied or worked on the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) campus for 50 years. She graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) in 1978 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. 

Faraone accepted a position as an instructor of prosthodontics at UMSOD in 1979, then was promoted to assistant professor in 1982 and clinical associate professor in 1989. Since 2012, she has led the school’s Office of Student Affairs with myriad responsibilities including managing a five-person staff, advising student organizations, and overseeing events such as the White Coat Ceremony, Evening with the Stars Awards Ceremony, Honors Convocation, Graduation, and more.

“I’ve had a tremendously rewarding career at the School of Dentistry,” Faraone said. “The school’s mission encompasses and supports education, research, and community service — and I was given the opportunity to participate in all three.

“As the associate dean for student affairs, I am very proud of the growth that Student Affairs has cultivated, particularly along the lines of community service and leadership opportunities.”

Faraone, who also has a master’s degree in instructional systems development, says her most rewarding contributions have come from developing numerous programs and presentations within her prosthodontics specialty and publishing in the areas of blended curriculum and self-assessment.

She was inducted into the International College of Dentists in 2020 in recognition of her excellence in leadership with an emphasis on service and is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Honor Society, where she has served as president, president-elect, vice president, and secretary/treasurer. In addition, Faraone’s professional memberships include the American Association of Women Dentists, the American Association of Dental Research, the Baltimore City Dental Society, the Maryland State Dental Society, and the American Dental Association.

She also is involved in a number of UMB initiatives, including the UMBrella Group, the President’s Council for Women, and the CURE Scholars Program, and was the primary leader of the UMB COVID-19 Recovery Task Force’s Didactic Learning Focus Group.

Faraone said she is excited and honored to participate in UMB’s 2022 commencement.

“Commencement is my favorite day of the year. I love to see all of the energy on graduation day,” she said. “My career has been devoted to working with students, and I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity to serve as UMB Honorary Student Marshal.”