Leadership Development Efforts Help Shape the Future of Duke OTD

Lindy Norman, MAT, operations manager for Duke’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, is no stranger to building something meaningful from the ground up. As the OTD program’s first staff member, Norman played a pivotal role in transforming the division from an emerging idea into a thriving academic community. She helped guide the program through its foundational years—supporting curriculum development, accreditation efforts, faculty and staff recruitment, and the launch of its inaugural cohort. Her work established OTD’s operational backbone and set the tone for the program’s collaborative, learner-centered culture.

In recent years, Norman has extended her impact beyond operations. In 2025, she piloted a faculty development series rooted in her doctoral project in Higher Education Leadership. Her practice-based dissertation identified a need for clearer instructional design and assessment practices across health professions education—particularly in programs committed to inclusive excellence. Drawing on this research, she created a three-session training series that strengthened faculty skills in objective writing, performance criteria, and rubric design, improving clarity for learners and alignment across the curriculum.

Norman is continuing her leadership journey as a member of the 2026 cohort of the Duke Management Academy. This program, along with the Duke Leadership Academy, is an immersive, yearlong initiative that brings together emerging leaders from across Duke University and Duke University Health System. Participants engage in intensive skill-building, coaching, and cross-institutional collaboration. Both academies are designed to prepare the next generation of leaders at Duke and are part of the Professional Development Academy, which is led by Duke Leadership & Organization Development within Duke Human Resources.

This year’s cohorts began their journeys in January with kickoff celebrations that brought together Duke’s senior leaders—including President Vincent E. Price—who emphasized the importance of connection, adaptability, and the human-centered facets of leadership. Alongside colleagues from across the university, Norman will participate in 360 assessments, individual coaching, coursework, and team-based projects that challenge participants to apply leadership behaviors in real-world contexts.

For Norman, participation in the academy represents both a recognition of her contributions and an investment in her continued growth. Her commitment to innovation, clarity in teaching and operations, and her collaborative spirit align seamlessly with the program’s goals—and reflect the values that have shaped Duke OTD since its inception. As she continues to expand her leadership impact, the OTD community stands to benefit from her deepening expertise, broadened perspectives, and ongoing dedication to supporting faculty, students, and staff.

Norman’s journey—from helping build the OTD program to strengthening faculty development and now stepping into a university-wide management academy—illustrates the power of growth, curiosity, and service. And it underscores a fitting theme for Duke’s 2026 leadership cohorts: growth is not only underway—it’s thriving.

“I’m thrilled that Lindy has this opportunity. She has already contributed enormously to the OTD division, and I can’t wait to see what new perspectives and strategies she brings back from the Leadership Academy as we continue strengthening our operations and expanding our educational and research programs," shared Duke OTD division chief, Barbara Hooper, PhD.