Tiffany N. Adams Named Director of Leadership & Organizational Culture

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Division proudly announces the appointment of Tiffany N. Adams, PT, PhD, DPT, MBA, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Core Faculty, as director of Leadership and Organizational Culture.

In this newly established role, Adams will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen the Division’s organizational culture and climate, foster collaboration, and advance inclusive excellence. Her work will focus on advancing an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive—guided by principles of inclusion, integrity, and innovation.

Adams brings a wealth of experience to this position. A board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, she has over a decade of clinical and administrative experience, primarily in outpatient and private practice settings, and entrepreneurial expertise within and beyond the physical therapy profession. Her multi-disciplinary academic and professional background uniquely equips her for this role, where expertise in organizational behavior, leadership theory and practice, and systems thinking will help facilitate innovative opportunities for Duke DPT to continue to excel as leaders in physical therapist education. Adams’ educational background includes a BS in Education with a concentration in Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Elon University, and both an MBA and a PhD in Leadership Studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She has also completed multiple certificate programs focused on inclusive practices through the University of South Florida and Cornell University.

Beyond her clinical and academic credentials, Adams is a nationally recognized leader in advancing health equity and organizational learning. She has presented on these topics at the local, state, and national levels and has served as a consultant to numerous higher education institutions and non-profit organizations. Her scholarly contributions, including publications and grant funding, span the areas of health equity and disparities, inclusive practices in healthcare and education, leadership and faculty development, and health care quality improvement.

Her contributions have earned numerous honors, including the Elon University Distinguished Alumnx Award (2024), the APTA Academy of Geriatrics Emerging Leader Award (2020), and recognition as one of the Triad Business Journal’s Forty Leaders Under 40 (2019).

“Leadership development and a positive workplace culture are the underpinnings of any successful program,” said Adams. “I am excited to collaborate with other members of the Duke DPT community as we seek to cultivate an environment where every member is empowered to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.”

This appointment underscores Duke DPT’s commitment to preparing future leaders in physical therapy while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.