Ashley “Lee Lee” Stokes is the winner of the 2023 VCU School of Dentistry Hazel Luton Award for Staff Excellence, which honors staff who are outstanding advocates for students, have a strong work ethic, and show a special appreciation for the school and everyone in it. Stokes was enthusiastically nominated by a number of the school’s dental students as well as her colleagues, and she was chosen unanimously by the nominating committee. 

“It’s clear that Ms. Stokes exemplifies the spirit upon which this award was founded,” said Dr. Lyndon Cooper, dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “I did not have the honor of knowing Ms. Luton, but I have heard many stories about her extraordinary ability to motivate, console, inspire and meet the diverse needs of our students. I am glad to honor her legacy by celebrating our exemplary employees who embody these same qualities.”

The Hazel Luton Award for Staff Excellence was established in 2017 by VCU School of Dentistry alum Dr. John Kitrell (D.D.S., 1982) in celebration of Luton’s retirement from 42 years of service to the school. Luton was known for going above and beyond the duties of her job, extending kindness and compassion that led to lifelong friendships with many students, staff and faculty. In 2015, the D.D.S. Class of 1995 (and others) surprised Luton by creating an endowed scholarship in her honor during their 20-year reunion. Her passing in 2019 was met with an outpouring of love and remembrance from the school’s alumni. 

Stokes is the second VCU Dental Care employee to receive the Hazel Luton Award for Staff Excellence. She joined the school in 2021 as a patient services representative before transitioning to her current role in the predoctoral clinic. Stokes’ officemate and fellow clinical coordinator, Cheryl Simms, won the inaugural award. 

“I’m still in shock, but I want the students to know that I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me,” said Stokes upon learning of the award. “I wake up every day knowing that I have a purpose.”

Clinical coordinators play an essential role in facilitating the clinical education of students as well as the delivery of care to patients. Each student has a number of clinical requirements they must fulfill to graduate, and clinical coordinators help match patients in need of care with students in need of experience in specific procedures. 

“I help them with anything from scheduling to talking to patients and figuring out the clinic management software. Sometimes it's not all about the job itself, but they might just need to talk and vent for the day,” said Stokes. “My favorite time is when the new third-year students transition to the clinic. They come in afraid, but they really do blossom before your eyes.”

Stokes’ efforts and guidance are clearly appreciated, as demonstrated by the many nominations that referenced her compassion, humor and ability to motivate. They showed the dynamic relationships that exist between staff, students and faculty that make VCU School of Dentistry so much more than a dental school.