Visitation and funeral services will be Feb. 10 and 11 for Joan Sivers, DDS, a “conscientious and beloved” emeritus associate professor in the UNMC College of Dentistry, who died Feb. 2.
Dr. Sivers first joined the UNMC College of Dentistry faculty in 1983 as an assistant professor of fixed prosthodontics before being promoted to associate professor in 1989. In 1995, Dr. Sivers was named the Carlson Professor of Dentistry, an endowed position in the UNMC Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry. She was named assistant dean of clinics in 1998, a role she would hold until her retirement in 2020 – serving more than 37 years at UNMC.
Read Dr. Sivers’ obituary here.
John Reinhardt, DDS, former dean of the college, recalled that as assistant dean of clinics, Dr. Sivers handled the role – which called for managing the staff and directing operations of the college’s educational clinics – superbly, with the calm demeanor, perseverance and dedication that always characterized her work.
“She was a steady, dependable, well-organized, conscientious and beloved colleague,” Dr. Reinhardt said. “She was also a skilled prosthodontist, teacher and positive representative of the college. Her service as a member of the Nebraska Board of Dentistry and an examiner and leader for the Central Regional Dental Testing Service are among many examples of her commitment to the dental profession. I am only one of many who will miss Joan and always remember her kindness.”
During her more than 37 years of dedicated service to the college, Dr. Sivers served as interim chair of two different departments on three occasions, was a graduate faculty member and served on numerous UNMC committees, including the UNMC Faculty Senate. Dr. Sivers was involved in the dental profession at both the local and national levels, serving in several leadership roles.
Read more about Dr. Sivers’ local, regional and national impact.
Julie Marshall, DDS, an associate professor and longtime colleague of Dr. Sivers, said her institutional knowledge was invaluable, not only for implementing strategic initiatives but also for facilitating successful leadership transitions.
“Among her many leadership strengths was her ability to actively listen and to develop collaborative teams,” Dr. Marshall said. “She had a remarkable and positive relationship with the college’s support staff, the critical foundation necessary for implementing the positive work of the college’s faculty.”
She was an outstanding mentor, Dr. Marshall said, impacting numerous colleagues, both at UNMC but also within the larger dental communities, often through her leadership with professional organizations such as the American Association for Women Dentists.
“All of these efforts focused on developing service-oriented professionals, promoting ethical standards and encouraging colleagues to use their talents to serve their patients and communities,” Dr. Marshall said. “We are so grateful for her lifetime of dedication to UNMC, our students, patients, staff and faculty.”
Dr. Sivers was an outstanding colleague. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her.
My deepest convalescences to her family and friends.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Dr. Sivers was an incredible role model and faculty member. She will be missed!
Dr. Sivers did a perio pros mentorship case with me in 85-86. I spent a lot of time getting this unique bridge just right and the case got published. When I moved back to Nebraska n 2000 ,I had to answer questions to the Board and she was on there. I appreciate all she did for my career.
They say every person dies twice. Once when you leave this mortal life. The second is when the world has forgotten your name. As a student, Dr. Sivers was phenomenal. She had the right balance of providing the student with the ideal standard and the pragmatic solution. One of the memories I will remember is while in the prosthetics clinic struggling to take an impression for dentures. I couldn’t figure out how to get the maxillary tuberosity. She showed me a trick that I use to this day and teach every l one of my assistants this trick.
Dr. Sivers was an excellent professor who cares deeply for the students to learn dentistry and take care of patients. She will be missed.
Dr. Sivers was a great teacher and cared deeply for the students. She treated me incredibly well as a student and was a go-to for me to discuss clinical problems. As a graduate, we spoke a few times early in my career which were very helpful to me, and generous of her. I was very sad to learn of her passing.
I am deeply sorry to hear about the news. Joan was a nice and very pleasant person to work with. Her great contribution to the dental college will always be remembered.