Regina T. Peņa, RN, Health & Immunization Services Manager for the Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing, has been awarded the prestigious 2005-2006 Distinguished Administrator Award presented by New York University in recognition of outstanding achievement as an administrator and dedicated service to students, faculty, and staff. The award is a special acknowledgement of the value NYU places on administrative excellence, and a way to formally honor the significant contributions of administrative and professional staff. The award includes a gift of $5,000. It was presented to Mrs. Peņa at a dinner in April hosted by NYU Executive Vice President Jacob Lew.

Regina joined NYUCD in 2001 after serving for over 10 years as a nurse clinician in the NYU Medical Center Emergency Room and at the NYU Health Service. At NYUCD she is responsible for the medical compliance of all students, faculty, administrators and staff in accordance with New York State public health laws.

Noting that only six individuals from throughout the University received this distinction, Dean Alfano said, "The Distinguished Administrator Award brings great honor to NYUCD as well as to Regina, who is a terrific person and a most deserving recipient of this high honor. In every respect, Regina exceeds the qualifications required to be selected for the NYU Distinguished Administrator Award. Her leadership skills are exemplary; she is superb at relationship-building both within her unit and throughout the College; she is resourceful, innovative and a problem-solver; and she continually strives to promote the health and well-being of every member of our community."

"Also, in this, the first year of the alliance between the College of Dentistry and the College of Nursing at NYU, I think it is wonderful that we can honor someone at the interface of our two enterprises. I look forward to adding her name to the monolith in the lobby recognizing NYUCD University Distinguished Teachers and Administrators."