Playwright and University of Michigan professor OyamO is being honored tonight by the Women of Color in the Academy Project with the 2014 Shirley Verrett Award.
The award celebrates faculty members who support the success of female students and faculty in the arts.
Gloria Thomas is Director of U-M's Center for the Education of Women. She says OyamO was nominated by the School of Music, Theater and Dance.
Thomas says OyamO is being recognized for his commitment to students, along with his ability to look past racial and ethnic differences to understand human life.
The award is being presented to OyamO tonight at Stamps Auditorium on Michigan's north campus.