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A Coach for Academics and Life

Donna Hall mentors undergraduates to achieve academic goals

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Donna Hall, right, who in 2015 decided to become a runner, poses with her daughter, Lucy, a body builder. Photo courtesy of Donna Hall.

Name: Donna HallPosition: Director, Academic Resource CenterYears at Duke: 20 

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What I do at Duke: The Academic Resource Center provides academic support programs and services, like peer tutoring and academic mentoring, structured study groups for students in science and math, and academic skills and time-management counseling. The Center also provides individualized and group academic and life coaching. I lead a very caring and skilled staff to help students discover the courage to try new things, seek help and find balance, cope with uncertainty, failure and success. 

My first ever job: In high school I worked at a dry cleaner in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. That’s how I supported myself in high school because I was an independent when I was 15. I used that job to pay my rent and other things. I did that through three years of high school.

My dream job: In many ways I have my dream job, but then I wish I had nine lives because I’d have nine dream jobs. One would to be a student forever and ever because I’m passionate about learning new things. I’d want to work with refugees and do good in the world, and I’d also want to do things with public schools. 

If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: Running. In April, I decided I was a runner. I started by walking, then I walked and ran, then I started to run more and began longer distances. I lost 25 pounds and began training for a half marathon. I absolutely love it.

The best advice I ever received: Something my dad said to me my whole childhood: ‘Just do the best you can.’ It seems old fashioned and cliché, but I can’t believe how often I also share that advice with students here. We’re in this culture where doing your best sometimes doesn’t feel like it’s enough and our students put tremendous amounts of pressure on themselves to reach some state of perfection. You should do the best you can and take joy in what you’re able to do. Nobody else can do it quite like you.

What I love about Duke: I love our students, but I don’t take for granted the fact that I’m working among the best and brightest faculty and staff. It’s a joy that I get challenged every day. I can never be comfortable with what I believe and what I know, and that’s a good thing. 

When I’m not at work, I like to: Knit with all kinds of natural fiber yarns. My mother and grandmother were seamstresses, so I learned how to sew as a girl. We didn’t have much money when I grew up, so we had to sew to make our clothes. It can be a very expensive hobby, though, and a ball of yarn could cost as much as $100.

An interesting/memorable day at work for me: When I meet with my new advisees, I’m always struck in our first meeting. They’ve been on campus maybe 24 hours and they are incredibly eager and ready to go. It’s very authentic. They are unguarded and I get a glimpse into what they really care about and the person that they hope to become.