Nominate Individuals and Teams for the 2026 Presidential Awards

Showcase the contributions of colleagues from across the university and health system with one of Duke’s highest honors

Duke University Seal in front of a blue background.

Nominations are open for the 2026 Presidential Awards, which will recognize exceptional contributions by Duke University and Duke University Health System staff and faculty during the current academic year.

Organized by the Office of the President in partnership with Duke Human Resources, the Presidential Awards celebrate individuals and teams who best demonstrate the values that define and shape Duke as an institution. The awards are among the highest honors given to staff and faculty members by Duke.

Nominations should consider those who, through their exceptional contributions, exemplify Duke's five institutional values of Respect, Trust, Inclusion, Discovery and Excellence. Individuals and teams can be nominated both for contributions over the past year or for extraordinary service over the course of a longer period.

Individuals or teams across all job families and classifications of employment across Duke University and Duke University Health System can be nominated. Full-time and part-time benefits-eligible employees are eligible for consideration; past winners are not eligible.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 17, 2025. Any member of the Duke community can submit an  individual nomination or a team nomination. Individual and team nominations require a 200-word written summary or a video or voice recording by the nominator of no more than two minutes highlighting the nominees’ contributions. Nominations must also include at least one letter of support, with up to two additional letters of support being accepted.

Following the nomination period, Duke University President Vincent E. Price will appoint a committee to review nominations and recommend individuals and teams to be awarded.

President Price will then select the winners and, with senior leadership of the University and Health System, celebrate and honor recipients during a Presidential Awards ceremony and reception on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Send story ideas, shout-outs and photographs through our story idea form or write working@duke.edu.

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