McNair family commits $500,000 to the Bitonte College of Dentistry
The gift establishes the “Darrell L. and Ronna J. McNair Dean’s Suite,” commemorated by a plaque prominently displayed at the University. Funding from the McNairs’ commitment will support innovation within NEOMED’s newest college, which opened in August 2025, helping advance both technology and critical-thinking development in dental education.
Darrell McNair, chair of the NEOMED Board of Trustees and president and CEO of MVP Plastics Inc., and Ronna McNair, executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurs at Cuyahoga Community College’s Corporate College, said their motivation is deeply personal.
“Education changed the trajectory of our families,” stated Darrell McNair. “We want to ensure others have access to those same opportunities.”
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By sharing their story publicly, the McNairs aim to inspire broader engagement in philanthropy. |
The gift honors Darrell McNair’s father, Clarence McNair, an 88-year-old dentist who graduated in the 1960s at a time when few African Americans were admitted to dental school. The couple views the donation as a tribute to his perseverance and a way to open doors for future generations.
“This is a living legacy,” said Ronna McNair. “Our hope is that it continues to support students long after we’re gone.”
The McNairs intentionally timed their gift announcement with the launch of NEOMED’s Bitonte College of Dentistry, recognizing its potential to expand access to healthcare careers. The University plays a critical role in Northeast Ohio, with approximately 70% of its graduates remaining in the state and serving local communities.
“The McNairs’ extraordinary generosity will have a lasting impact on NEOMED and the future of oral health in our region," said NEOMED President John Langell. M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FACS.
Dental Dean Sorin Teich, D.M.D., M.B.A., highlighted how the McNairs’ contribution will be instrumental in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape: "This gift empowers NEOMED to innovate in dental education, expanding opportunities for our students.”
By sharing their story publicly, the McNairs aim to inspire broader engagement in philanthropy.
“This gift is a tribute to the strength, sacrifice and vision of those who came before us—especially my father—and a commitment to ensuring that future generations have access to the same transformative power of education that shaped our lives,” emphasized Darrell McNair.