Taking Duke Nursing Around the World
Dorothy Powell nurtures the School of Nursing's global programs
Name: Dorothy Powell
Position: Associate Dean for the Office of Global and Community Health Initiatives (OGACHI) in the School of Nursing.
Years at Duke: 7
What I do at Duke: The mission of OGACHI is to address health disparities locally and abroad through academics, research and community service. We develop opportunities for our nursing students to complete their community health clinical experiences internationally and at sites in Durham that continue to support student learning. We have ABSN and graduate student opportunities in nine sites in Tanzania, the Caribbean (Barbados, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Nicaragua, Honduras, and China. Other projects of an academic, research and service nature are in Rwanda, Tanzania, China and the Caribbean.
A memorable moment at Duke: I recently asked a new group of nursing students how many of them came to Duke because of global opportunities, and half the hands went up. Six years ago, there might have been just a few. I'm proud of how OGACHI has institutionalized the global aspect of nursing within the School of Nursing.
Something unique in my office: I have a world map on my wall. It was the first item I bought with Duke money when I came here. I wanted people to know where it is that we want to go. It isn't just a map for locating a town or a city. It reminds us of what our mission is. It reminds us of how big the world is, and how small it is, and how inter-related every part of it is. It is the focal point of my office, and it directs what we do and increases our sensitivity.
To start a conversation with me, ask about: Working with vulnerable populations to increase the quality of their life and health. I'm passionate about this. I started working with homeless people in Washington, D.C., and it changed my life. They taught me by giving me insight into their challenges.
What I love about Duke: The willingness to collaborate. It is wonderful to have an area of passion expanded on by people who share common interests across disciplines.
My first paid job: I worked Saturdays and one evening a week in a drug store in Henderson, North Carolina during high school.
If I could have one superpower, it would be: To increase understanding among all people. If there was a way to enhance mutual understanding of each other, a way to be more sensitive, we might realize that we are a united people and have responsibility to be enablers for each other.
The best advice received: My aunt used to say, "Don't talk so much out of your mouth." I've had to learn to think before I speak.
When I'm not at work I like to: Enjoy my friends. There are four of us who get together regularly to go to the theater, to restaurants, to the Farmers Market or just about anywhere.
If I had $5 million: I'd give most of it away to charities I feel strongly about in Tanzania and programs to address homelessness.
Something most people don't know about me: I have a granddog - a cockapoo named Barkley that belongs to my daughter, who lives in Washington, D.C.