NOC Enid Speaker Series: Enid human resources professional and community leader Cristal Pryor spoke to Northern Oklahoma College Enid students during the Student Government Association Speaker Series last Thursday. Pryor shared her personal journey and encouraged students to become involved in their communities during her presentation, “Unidos-Somos Más – Together We Are More.” She is pictured with NOC Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise. (photo by Mallory Kyler/NOC)
Community leader Cristal Pryor speaks to NOC Enid students
Enid human resource professional Cristal Pryor spoke at NOC Enid last Thursday as part of the Student Government Association Speaker Series.
Pryor spoke on the theme, “Unidos-Somos Mas – Together We Are More.”
“When we settled on this theme,” she said, “It felt personal because it reflected my family’s journey and the community that helped shaped me.”
Pryor described her journey as a first generation Mexican American from Enid and although Spanish was spoken in her home, she was able to help her family because she was bilingual. She uses that experience to help her employees in the Enid community.
“My parents are from small communities in Mexico and came to the United States with their parents seeking a better life,” she said. “My parents had the support of their families, a trait that I want to carry on with my family today.”
After her parents separated, She then moved to Enid to be close to her grandparents. Her family received assistance for food and other necessities.
“I didn’t understand where the help was coming from at the time only that it was provided by someone and was needed,” she said. “Now, as an adult, I understand what that meant and how family, neighbors, schools, organizations in a community can step up when families need help. I may not know the answer to help but I can help them find someone who does. I want people to feel comfortable asking for help and respect those who provide it.”
Now, as an HR professional, she helps people receive help and being bilingual helps. She helps people find work through the Garfield County Hispanic Coalition.
“There are people in this community with decades of experience who can answer the questions I cannot,” Pryor said. “My growth started small by attending meetings and volunteering for tasks and then did it again. I challenge the students here today to do the same, attend a meeting, volunteer at an event, or be part of an organization. Use the skill you have to help others. You don’t have to be called a leader to help others and work in your community.”
“Together we are more,” she said. “I came to Enid because of families helping families. We received support from the community and that is true today in the Enid community.”
Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise thanked Pryor for her message to students as did NOC President Diana Morris.
“Thanks, Cristal for ‘showing up’ today,” Morris joked. “For many who do not think they are in a position to lead, it just starts with ‘showing up’ and I appreciate you sharing that message with our students today.”
NOC Enid Hispanic Heritage Club members Celene Sesma, Sehelene Gonzales, and Jaden Baez spoke at the program giving a history of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Pryor is a human resources professional and community leader in Enid. She was recognized as a 2026 Enid Young Professionals under 40 award-winner. She serves as Secretary of the Garfield County Hispanic Coalition, serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of Leadership Greater Enid Class XXXVI (36). She is also a graduate of the NextGen Fellowship through United Way, where she further developed her leadership skills and passion for community service.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater. Of these students about 85% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 69% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College or giving to the NOC Foundation, please contact the development office at (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
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