Southern Polytechnic State University associate professor Curtis Sartor has received The Mission Award from the Atlanta Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).

The award was given at the organization's "Millennium Awards Banquet" June 10. Sartor, who has worked in Southern Polytechnic's School of Architecture since 1988, is the first recipient of the Mission Award, given to those who "create access for opportunities for present and future generations through architecture education." Jeffrey Robinson, president of the Atlanta chapter of NOMA, also cited Sartor's leadership abilities and interaction with students as a reason for the award.

"This is very significant. It underscores why I'm in education and lets me know I'm on the right track. A chief emphasis of mine has been reaching the African-American community," said Sartor.

Southern Polytechnic State University is a residential university with approximately 4,000 students pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees in many of the nation's fastest-growing fields related to engineering and technology. One mile west of I-75's Exit 263, the university is just 20 minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta, GA.