Ann Arbor, MI — March 15, 2006 — A staff organization that provides career development opportunities for minority women employed at the University of Michigan has presented one of its major awards to the School of Dentistry's Director of Human Resources, Tina Pryor.

Pryor received the Woman of the Year in Human Relations Award from the Women of Color Task Force for demonstrating outstanding skills in working with individuals throughout the School on both a professional and personal level.

Pryor, who has been with the University for 19 years, including eight as the School of Dentistry's Human Resources Officer, was praised for her work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to U-M. She was also lauded for keeping those at the School updated on policies and institutional guidelines.

When learning that she had been nominated for the award, Pryor said she "was humbled and honored to be recognized for doing one's job well." She said that throughout her career, "I have tried to emulate the qualities of leaders I highly regard." Those individuals, she said, include Laurita Thomas, U-M's associate vice president and chief human resources officer; Dennis Lopatin, senior associate dean at the School of Dentistry; and Dean Peter Polverini. "This great leadership that surrounds me has allowed me to do my job well," Pryor added. She also lauded her assistant, Sylvia Bowman, "who helps me keep it all together."

Pryor also praised the Women of Color Task force for the career development opportunities the group has offered.

The award, and three others presented by the task force, is part of a recognition program begun in 1986 to honor staff and faculty members whose outstanding professional and personal contributions have improved the quality of life for people of color within the University community.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.

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