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The five individuals and four teams were selected from nominations from across the university and health system.

Organized by the in partnership with , the are among Duke’s highest honors for staff and faculty, honoring those who demonstrate Duke’s of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery and excellence.

The winners will be honored by ��ţӰ�� President Vincent E. Price and leaders from the university and health system at an awards ceremony on March 18 at Page Auditorium.

“This year’s Presidential Award honorees exemplify the best of Duke,” Price said. “I am delighted to recognize their tremendous work and exceptional contributions to our mission, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Presidential Awards ceremony in March.” 

Meet the 2024-25 Presidential Award winners.

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Teams

Duke Technology (DTech) Program

Under the direction of Executive Director Amy Arnold and Senior Program Manager Kelly Perri, the , known as DTech, empowers students to pursue careers in computer science and engineering through mentorship, encouragement and creating opportunities to grow. To foster a more inclusive future in technology, the program relies on a network of approximately 550 undergraduates and 650 alumni.

As a result of the team’s commitment, the percentage of women earning computing degrees at Duke jumped from 15% in 2015 to 35% in 2021, beating the national average of 23%.

“At DTech’s heart is the team’s commitment to building an inclusive and supportive community,” said Vinik Dean of Engineering Jerome Lynch. “These are passionate leaders who go above and beyond what is expected to facilitate mentoring relationships and provide hands-on internships that showcase rewarding career paths to our students. As student evaluations consistently show, Amy and Kelly treat each student with tremendous care and deep respect. Their advocacy for women in computing is sincere and purposeful.”

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DukeLIFE

Offering holistic support for Duke’s first-generation, lower-income students, has made the university a more welcoming, supportive and inclusive space. As part of the , the five-person team, led by Director Sachelle Ford, provides leadership and advocacy for Duke’s first-generation students. They help students build relationships with faculty, navigate Duke’s intellectual and social networks, and access campus resources to support their academic and personal journeys.

Evidence of DukeLIFE’s efforts to recruit, enroll and support first-generation, lower-income students is seen in the fact that 23% of Duke’s class of 2028 were eligible for Pell Grants.

“When DukeLIFE was conceived, we imagined a unit that would help first-generation students to thrive academically, connecting them to the human, financial and material resources essential for their success,” said Dean of Trinity College of Arts & Sciences Gary Bennett. “The program has surpassed all of our expectations, thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of its team. They have supported, encouraged and advocated for our students with profound dedication. The DukeLIFE team embodies Duke’s core values through their unwavering commitment to accessibility and student success.”

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Jewish Life at Duke and Center for Muslim Life

In a year marked by profound global turmoil, the and , which are part of the , remained steadfast in their shared commitment to serving their respective student communities. Both teams worked tirelessly to help students navigate the complexities of a deeply fractured world while amplifying students’ voices and concerns. In addition to their student focused work, the recipients organized workshops addressing Islamophobia and antisemitism, engaging over 600 Duke community members, and facilitated vigils and discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The strength of leadership and the depth of support for both our Jewish and Muslim communities that emanates from these teams is profound,” said Mary Pat McMahon, Vice Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs. “In addition to supporting their own faith communities, the teams in Jewish Life at Duke and in the Center for Muslim Life have supported one another’s events and kept interfaith learning as a core tenet of their work for many years. … I think it’s safe to say that all of us in the Duke community have learned from watching the rapport and strength of partnership between the two teams. Week by week, they demonstrate how respect and shared purpose can foster true collaboration and understanding.”

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DHTS Emergency Preparedness

On July 19, 2024, a faulty update distributed by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike led to global computer failures and affected roughly 40,000 Duke Health devices. Acting quickly, around 200 Duke Health Technology Solutions team members, working closely with patient care leaders, ensured no Duke clinics, urgent care centers, emergency departments or hospitals were forced to close. The team triaged devices and restored 50% of the affected devices with 24 hours and more than 90% of them within 72 hours.

The 25 award recipients at the core of the effort showed exceptional creativity and collaboration while maintaining Duke’s essential healthcare services.

“Due to their outstanding efforts, Duke Health facilities were able to remain operational, which stands in stark contrast to other organizations across the country,” said ��ţӰ�� Health System Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Thomas Owens. “This remarkable achievement highlights the DHTS team’s resilience and their capacity to provide exemplary leadership during times of crisis.”

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Individuals

Dr. Leon Herndon Jr.

In his 29 years with the , Dr. Leon Herndon Jr. has devoted himself to both the health of patients battling glaucoma and the growth and success of his colleagues. A Professor of Ophthalmology, Herndon has served as his department’s Medical Director and Vice Chair. As Chief of the , he’s grown the unit into one of the nation’s best, serving as the American Glaucoma Society President in 2023.

Respected by the department’s staff, faculty and trainees for his generous and supportive spirit, Herndon was also a founding member of the department’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and has been a key supporter of the ��ţӰ�� School of Medicine’s mentoring program.

“Even with the numerous achievements, accolades and years of service, Dr. Herndon approaches each day with a seemingly renewed spirit to maintain the highest level of patient care while efficiently running a service and supporting those that are furthering their own careers,” wrote Herndon’s nominator, Department of Ophthalmology Senior Business Manager and Division Administrator Martha Dellinger. “There’s a selflessness in his efforts that is refreshing.”

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Beth Fraulo

During a Duke career that has spanned more than three decades, Beth Fraulo has cared for patients as a bedside nurse and supported the search for new treatments as a research coordinator. Now the Director of Clinical Trials Operations at the , she has flourished as a leader.

Guiding a team of 54 people and overseeing a large portfolio of research programs, Fraulo possesses a deep understanding of the research landscape and is committed to lifting up those who work alongside her, supporting DCRI’s equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives and helping a younger leaders find their way.

“Beth is an outstanding leader who has led groundbreaking, innovative and impactful research that continues to impact patient care locally and globally,” said DCRI Chief Operating Officer Ty Rorick. “Beth is also a leader of others. Throughout her career, she has not only developed a new generation of staff leaders, but has also been instrumental in the development of Duke faculty.”

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Marcie Ellis

In 24 years with the , Associate Registrar Marcie Ellis has helped thousands of students successfully navigate their educational journeys. Known for her deep institutional knowledge, responsiveness and dependability, Ellis has become a trusted resource for students and colleagues facing a variety of challenges. Devoted to student success and improving the learning environment, she has helped build a culture of inclusion and inspiration through her empathy, integrity and positive approach.

“Marcie rises to the occasion every day and is absolutely one of the most highly regarded and respected team members in Medical Education Administration, not only for her ability to always get the job done, but for her unimpeachable integrity,” wrote School of Medicine Associate Dean for Medical Education Administration Jennifer Averitt and Associate Dean for the Office of Curricular Affairs Aditee Narayan, who nominated Ellis. “No matter the task, Marcie is always ready to provide her wisdom, guidance and support to all who seek it.”

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Michael Owens

Since 1999, the seasonal floral displays that splash color across the terraces of have been the vision of Terraces and Historic Gardens Curator Michael Owens. His creative designs have become a major reason that Duke Gardens has become an increasingly popular destination from visitors from around the world.

Owens has been part of the Duke Gardens team since 1993 and has contributed significantly to projects such as the Memorial Garden and the Hanes Iris Garden. He helped the Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden become more diverse and water-wise, designed the oft-photographed cherry allée, and return the South Lawn to its original splendor.

“Entrusted with ��ţӰ��’s ‘Crown Jewel’ for over 30 years, he has completely transformed the planting dynamic within Sarah P. Duke Gardens,” wrote Doris Duke Gardens Curator Jason Holmes. “Every year, Mike and his team work to exceed the previous year’s planting display. He thinks deeply about color, form, texture and other design principles that inspire people worldwide. If you have ever visited Duke Gardens and walked through the Terrace Gardens, you have seen Mike’s work. Like an artist with a palette and paint, Mike pairs the perfect plants together for a display that rivals other world-class botanic gardens.”

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Joe Stephens Jr.

Since joining as a Bus Driver in 2022, Joe Stephens Jr. has become a valuable member of the Duke Transit team. His strong work ethic, positive attitude and commitment to the comfort and safety has earned praise from colleagues and passengers.

“Whether stepping in to cover extra routes or charters, Joe always rises to the occasion with grace and reliability, earning the respect and admiration of everyone who works with him,” wrote Senior Transit and Fleet Maintenance Manager C.J. Loomis, Stephens’ nominator. “Beyond his reliability, Joe’s genuine care for others truly sets him apart. He takes the time to ensure his passengers feel valued and safe, offering assistance and support that goes well beyond his job description. Whether it’s helping students find their way to a building they’ve never been to or guiding them on which bus route to take to reach their destination, Joe is always ready to lend a hand.”

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