Three individuals within the School of Medicine and one Duke Health team were among the recipients of the prestigious 2024-25 Duke Presidential Awards.
Organized by the Office of the President in partnership with Duke Human Resources, the Presidential Awards are among Duke’s highest honors for staff and faculty, honoring those who demonstrate Duke’s core values of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery and excellence. The individuals and teams were selected from nominations from across the university and health system.
The winners will be honored by Duke University 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.”
Presidential Award winners from the School of Medicine and Duke Health include:
Leon Herndon Jr., MD
In his 29 years with the Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Leon Herndon Jr., MD, 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 Glaucoma Division, 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 Duke University School of Medicine’s Black Men in Medicine 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.”
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 Duke Clinical Research Institute, 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.
Marcie Ellis
In 24 years with the Duke University School of Medicine, 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.”
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 within 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 Duke University 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.”
You can read about all of the 2024-25 Presidential Award winners in Duke Today.