Skip to main content

Honor Colleagues with Teamwork, Diversity Awards

Nominations accepted through Sept. 12

Marvin Tillman, manager of the Library Service Center Team, holds the Teamwork Award plaque won by the Library Service Center team last year. The team is joined here by President Richard H. Brodhead to Tillman's right and former Provost Peter Lange on hi
Marvin Tillman, manager of the Library Service Center Team, holds the Teamwork Award plaque won by the Library Service Center team last year. The team is joined here by President Richard H. Brodhead to Tillman's right and former Provost Peter Lange on his left. Photo by Duke University Photography.

The nomination period has begun for Duke faculty and staff to highlight coworkers for Duke’s Teamwork and Diversity awards.

The two awards, presented annually to Duke employees, recognize faculty and staff from the University and Health System for efforts to enhance the culture of teamwork and diversity, two of Duke's Guiding Principles. Members of winning teams receive a plaque and choice of a special team event up to $1,000.

Read More

Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 12, and the winners will be honored in November during a luncheon with President Richard H. Brodhead and other Duke senior administrators

“It matters so much to people when efforts, hard work and dedication get recognized,” said Martha Absher, associate dean of education and outreach for the Pratt School of Engineering. She was one of four associate or assistant deans from the school to receive a Diversity Award last year for success in attracting and retaining women and underrepresented minorities in engineering. “Diversity is our strength at Duke – it feeds understanding, communication and strengthens our bonds.”

Absher and her three colleagues were recognized for efforts to support the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, advising students in the National Society of Black Engineers and administering a Research Experience for Undergraduate Program that serves underrepresented and physically challenged students.

They also introduced new practices to improve diversity and gender balance on the school's faculty.

One of last year’s Teamwork Award winners was highlighted because their daily operations couldn’t exist without effort from everyone on staff.

At the Library Service Center, staff members oversee about 3 million books, journals and other items from the Duke Libraries. From locating items to delivery, team members all have different roles to play. In fiscal year 2013, the group processed more than 540,000 items.

“Receiving the award was icing on the cake to all the hard work we put in together as a team,” said Marvin Tillman, head of the Library Service Center. “My staff has received promotions and raises, but I don’t believe any of those made them smile more than winning the award.”