Michelle Robinson, DMD, MA, was recognized for her service as interim dean by The Links, Incorporated, Tri-County (AL) Chapter. The award, for international trends and services, was presented at the organization’s annual “Model 2020” event honoring model citizens.

“The school prides itself on community engagement, both locally and globally,” Dr. Robinson stated. “We are very appreciative of The Links, Incorporated, Tri-County Chapter’s recognition. It serves as an inspiration for continuing and expanding this important work.”

Each year, School of Dentistry students and faculty participate in mission trips and initiatives to help patients in places like Haiti and the Dominican Republic as part of its global outreach. Locally, despite the pandemic, the school hosted its annual summer program in 2020. This four-week virtual event served 80 college students from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The program exposed students from diverse backgrounds to health professions, ensuring the legacy of community engagement continues into the future.

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 16,000 professional women of color in 288 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.