Jermaine Walls has made history at Marquette University as the first Black male class president in the dental school’s 130 year history. As he prepares for graduation, his journey is being celebrated as a powerful story of leadership, representation, and determination in a field where Black professionals remain underrepresented.
His achievement is not only personal. It also reflects a broader push for inclusion in dentistry, where many students from underrepresented backgrounds still struggle to see themselves represented in leadership roles. Walls now steps into professional life with a message that is already inspiring many young people.
Jermaine Walls Makes History as First Black Male Class President in Dental School
Jermaine Walls has officially become the first Black male to serve as class president in the history of Marquette University’s dental school. Although there had been one other Black class president before him, Walls is the first Black man to hold the role in over a century of the school’s existence.
He described the moment as both surprising and meaningful. According to Walls, the achievement once felt out of reach, but persistence helped him push through every stage of his academic journey. His leadership was consistent throughout his time in school, as he served in the role across multiple years.
Walls said:
“It means a lot. Being the first Black male class president all four years has been something that I don’t even know was even possible here.”
His words reflect both pride and disbelief, showing how rare his achievement remains in higher education leadership spaces.
Jermaine Walls’ Journey Through Marquette Dental School and Leadership Growth
Walls joined Marquette’s highly competitive dental program after moving from Chicago. The program admits only about 50 out of state students each year from thousands of applicants. This makes his entry into the school already a major accomplishment before his leadership role even began.
Inside the program, he stood out not just academically but also as a leader among peers. One third of Marquette dental students identify as people of color, yet leadership positions like class president have historically lacked Black male representation.
Walls explained that his success came from determination and consistency. He said he kept pushing forward because he believed in the path he chose, even when it felt uncertain.
“I just kept striving for it and told myself, if this is the path I want, I should stick to it. And I did, and here I am.”
Breaking Barriers in Dentistry Representation and Healthcare Equity
Walls’ achievement also highlights a deeper issue in the United States dental profession. According to the American Dental Association, fewer than 4 percent of dentists in the country are Black or African American. This gap makes representation in dental schools and leadership roles even more important.
As he prepares to join a dental practice in the Las Vegas area, Walls is aware of the responsibility that comes with being one of the few Black professionals in the field. He hopes his presence will encourage more young people from underrepresented communities to consider dentistry as a real and achievable career.
Teon Austin, director of inclusion and belonging at Marquette’s dental school, emphasized the importance of exposure for young students. He noted that showing children hands on experiences and clear pathways into dentistry can change how they view their future.
Walls also believes that representation can improve trust in healthcare. He shared that growing up, dental care was not always a regular part of life in his community. Because of that, he wants to help change how future generations approach oral health.
Jermaine Walls Inspires Future Dentists With Message of Perseverance
Beyond his academic success, Walls has become a source of inspiration for both patients and students. People who interacted with him during clinical training described him as calm, friendly, and easy to talk to. Many patients appreciated his approach to care.
One patient, Samantha Williams, shared her experience:
“It’s relaxing. They make me feel at home.”
Another added that Walls was approachable and made dental visits more comfortable. His impact went beyond treatment, helping to ease anxiety for patients in care settings.
As he prepares to graduate and begin work as a cosmetic dentist in Henderson, Nevada, Walls has one clear message for future students and professionals: persistence matters. He encourages others not to give up, even when the path feels difficult.
“Honestly, keep going. If this is for you, it will happen. And sure enough, it did. So never give up.”
