FVSU grad opens dental clinic in Fort Valley

Monday, October 29, 2007

Dr. Ulysses Marable III., center is joined by FVSU faculty and staff, family, friends and local officials during his ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 26 for his new dental clinic, Fantastic Smiles in Fort Valley. Marable is a 2001 FVSU animal science graduate.

Three of the youngest participants in the two-day grand opening celebration of the Fantastic Smiles dental clinic held Oct. 26-27, enjoy a quick slide on the inflatable play center.  The 1640-square-foot clinic will house four treatment centers and focus on general dentistry, limited oral surgery, periodontics and pedodontics.

Fort Valley State University student Kyna Thomas applies some creative artistry to the face of a young participant during the two-day grand opening of the Fantastic Smiles dental clinic held on Oct. 26-27 in Fort Valley.

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. For Dr. Ulysses Marable III, that tree took root four generations ago with his great-great grandfather George Marable.

As the 28-year-old Fort Valley State University animal science graduate cut the ribbon to open his new dental clinic, Fantastic Smiles, in Fort Valley on Oct. 26, he reflected on his great-great grandfather’s lessons. 

 “My family stressed education and independence,” Marable said.

“While my work ethic comes from working in the fields, I was taught to be an owner, not a helper. This is about the community and helping students, particularly students from Fort Valley State University. I want them to see what they can accomplish if they work hard.”

The Dixie, Ga., native has been surrounded by dentistry most of his life.  Three of his siblings are currently in the field as well as many aunts and uncles.

Members of his family joined friends, FVSU faculty and staff and local officials at the grand opening of his clinic.  They offered words of encouragement, beginning with his biggest supporters - his parents.

“Words can’t explain how happy I am,” said Mary Henley, Marable’s mother.  “I’m happy he was able to stay focused and beat the odds.  In this day and age there’s so much distraction.  Children are confronted with so much negativity in the world than positive.  Any parent would be proud to have him as their son.”

Marable’s father, Ulysses Marable Jr., echoed Henley’s sentiment.

“I’m really not surprised.  The seed was planted long ago,” Marable said. “My mother and father expected us to do well and Mary and I passed that message on to our children.  My father told us each generation is supposed to do better.”

The two-day grand opening was filled with scrumptious barbecue, loads of fun activities for children and a tour of the clinic.

Drs. Mark Latimore Jr., interim dean for FVSU’s College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs, and Daniel K. Wims, executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, agree that Marable’s commitment to giving back to the community can’t be found in a textbook.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Ulysses,” Latimore said.  “It’s wonderful to see a student not only matriculate through the program, but come back and give back to a  community that gave so much to him.  I know he will do well.”

Wims added, ‘This is bigger than the small town boy makes it big.  He’s one of our own.  FVSU graduates do well in whatever [they] choose as their career. Ulysses is a shining example of how hard work will pay off.”

The 1640-square-foot clinic will house four treatment centers and focus on general dentistry, limited oral surgery, periodontics and pedodontics.

Peach County Chamber of Commerce President Eugene Sheets said the clinic will give the Fort Valley community a boost.

“We are always excited when a new business comes to town,” Sheets said.

“This is also a definite benefit for the economy.  We are delighted to have Dr. Marable here in our community.”

Marable says his primary concern is the community.

“This is a great community.  I love the intimacy and closeness of a rural community,” he said.  “Everyone should have access to oral care.  This isn’t about me.  Civically, I’m here to help - with a great emphasis on helping the students locally.”

Annette Coward, Public Information Editor