This is My Why at Duke

“We are the central nervous system of the entire organization. You can’t see us, but we keep things going.”

Susan Stone
Manager of Accounting Systems Administration, Duke Financial Services

Whether it’s part of a research grant, a paycheck or an equipment purchase, every dollar that moves in or out of the university and health system passes through one internal accounting system. For most of her 18 years at Duke, Susan Stone and her colleagues have overseen the complex network of codes, policies and security protocols that keeps the system running, ensuring that the funds powering Duke’s vital missions are always where they need to be.

“My work makes it possible for those with the ability to reach their full potential and bring our world forward to do so without the stumbling block of finances impeding their climb.”

Josh Leonard
Financial Management Analyst

About two-thirds of Duke students receive financial aid, and Josh Leonard helps make that possible. In the Office of Undergraduate Financial Assistance, he analyzes Duke’s data to keep opportunities strong for eligible students. Having relied on scholarships himself, Leonard feels a duty to ensure cost doesn’t stand in the way of Duke’s talented, driven students.

“What drives me every day is my love to help others get the help they need. It gives me joy to deliver high-quality care to our patients. Our patients are like family.”

Tameka Morton
Duke Consultation and Referral Center Access Specialist

Each day, Tameka Morton fields about 120 phone calls from patients seeking care within Duke University Health System. Whether they need an orthopaedic surgeon, oncologist, primary care doctor or pediatric cardiologist, Morton listens closely, draws on her knowledge of Duke’s caregiver network and schedules appointments that start patients’ path to healing.

"To understand the past and present of Duke's facilities so we can plan for and provide what they need to remain an asset in the future."

Jennifer Stutzman, Facilities Management

"I’m passionate about my work at Duke and Duke Health because every gift fuels discovery, care, education, and community support. With a team equally driven, we connect donors to bold ideas so others can focus on what matters most: caring for patients, advancing medical science, developing future healthcare leaders, and strengthening our community."

Stacy Waters, Duke Health Development & Alumni Affairs

"Why Duke? Even at the staff assistant level, I know my work impacts the lives of others via research and education. Working at DHVI aligns with my core beliefs and I am among a diverse, inclusive and educated community."

Bridgette Un Cha Song, DHVI

"I started working for Duke in August 2001 and have been a fulfilled and faithful employee since working on 8100, Urgent Care, and Duke Fertility. My journey has come full circle where I now serve as the Utilization manager for 8100 (my first job in 2001)."

Ann Harris, DUHS Utilization Manager

"It's a rewarding job considering it positively impacts people's lives and their well-being.

When people ask me what I do, I describe Core Operations at Duke in one sentence.

"If you have a Loved One in one of Duke's Hospitals, you want my team on it."

John Mazza, Core Operations

"I truly believe that Duke aligns with the mission to improve the health and vitality of our community. Whether it is recognizing our team for volunteering in the broader community through the MLK Humanitarian Award or investing in our team members through benefits that make higher education possible."

Sonali Batish, Family Medicine Residency Department

"I do this work because I believe in the healing power of presence. I’m honored to support a team that meets families in grief, holds their pain with compassion, and walks beside them through loss. Their work is sacred, and I’m grateful to help make it possible."

Christie Smith, Duke HomeCare and Hospice

"I want to make sure the patients and patient families I work with for Neuromodulation evaluations and procedures have the best possible care. I want to make that the appointments are scheduled efficiently and that patients are being heard when they have concerns or if they just need to talk."

Allyson Duke, Neurodiagnostic Lab (Neurology and Neurosurgery)

"I am a heart patient myself so working in Cardiology, I can relate so well with the patients and I feel it gives me more empathy and understanding for what they are going through since I have been through it myself. I love making the smallest difference."

Erika Stephenson, Cardiology of Raleigh

"The work I do at Duke is my way of helping to make the world a better place. I coach, prepare, and hopefully inspire students to pursue a career in environment and sustainability. This magnifies the impact of my own career many times over."

Allison Besch, Nicholas School of the Environment, Career and Professional Development Center

"My ‘why’ is my team and the people we support. I’m driven by creating space where they can thrive, knowing our work fuels discoveries and healing. What matters most to me is easing burdens, building trust, and being part of something bigger than myself at Duke."

Ashley Palmer, RASR

"Knowing I can be the person that changes a person's whole world when they visit Duke is the reason why working at Duke matters! I cannot change the whole world, but I can maybe change one patient's whole world by being the best nurse that I can be!"

Lainee Cummings, Duke Primary Care Arringdon

"My "why" is that I get to walk through clinic waiting rooms every day and see patients that my work directly impacts. Their vision health, and possibly lifesaving treatments, are made safer and more efficient by my work as an IT analyst."

Robert Call, SOM / DHTS

"As a Grants and Research Manager, I love knowing my work helps move research forward. Every proposal, budget, and award I support contributes to discoveries that can change lives. My "why" is being part of that bigger mission - helping brilliant ideas at Duke become real impact in the world."

Lily Peschanskaia, RASR 3

"As a young single mother caring for my disabled son, I found my “why”: a deep drive to help others. At Duke, I’ve discovered a place where my compassion and insight are valued—transforming personal challenges into purpose and impact."

Sidney Evans, DUHS Compliance

"I always strive to show that even in the worst of times someone cares and wants to help. Even though the outcomes for our patients are not always the desired result they deserve to know they mattered."

Donna Nance, DHTS-PACS Support

"What drives me is being the best person I can be. This encompasses the work I do at Duke Raleigh Hospital. I want to serve others in a way that is helpful to them. By doing this, I also fulfill the call of God on my life to love."

Katrena Kilpatrick, Chaplain Services

"I feel like I grew up at Duke. Both of my parents retired from Duke after working here 30-40 years. I feel obligated and privileged to uphold their good example. When I'm interacting with patients, I treat them how I would want my parents to be treated."

Lydia Moore, Ancillary Services

"Every day, I’m called upon to help users of Kuali Build, an enterprise workflow automation tool that allows them to create custom online forms and reduce or eliminate manual processes. Automating a cumbersome business process is a game changer. I love helping users realize the benefits of this powerful tool."

Isabel Valls, Office of Information Technology (OIT)

"When a patient or loved one calls with questions or scheduling conflicts, my goal is to ensure they receive the assistance they need. If anything can be made "boring and predictable" for them, they'll have spoons left to handle what's needed."

Kristi Duke, DHAS Oncology

"My why - the potential to make a difference in finding a cure or better treatment for so many different diseases that affect those I love."

Shea Rocheleau, ORA

"The patients, we are here to make sure the patients have access to the best healthcare. Specifically for me its so awarding to be able to tell people I work for the Duke Cancer Institute and how we are the #1 cancer care in the state."

Brooke Lafko, Duke Cancer Institute

"My why is 2-fold: I am providing whole-body donors to train the next generations of physicians, as well as, honoring the deceased's end-of-life wishes by supporting their loved ones with body donation logistics."

Emerson Bennett, Anatomical Gifts Program- Duke School of Medicine

"I am convinced that DHTS empowers clinical care through advancing technology. Driving innovation, optimizing platforms, and fostering collaboration across our Duke lets us support clinicians and improve patient care. DHTS’s mission aligns with my passion for purposeful leadership, where every system enhancement helps deliver the best possible health outcomes."

Charlie Britt, DHTS

"In line with my personal values, I truly care about my team, and I seek to foster a workplace culture of respect, trust and appreciation. I seek to connect with every team member and believe that these relationships form the foundation for excellent patient care."

Karen Barrett Whitfield, Duke Urgent Care South

"The reason for my drive and reason why is my work matters. It is the patients, assisting patients providing excellent care. Ensuring that each person is acknowledge and feels appreciated. I love interacting with the patients, listening, and providing a shoulder to lean on. It is a joy."

Melinda Mimi Davis, Dermatology

"I'm driven by the joy of connecting people through learning. The Lifelong learning team works together to bring Duke faculty and alumni together, and I love playing a part in it. Education is a lifelong adventure, and I have been so lucky to be able to facilitate and participate!"

Blair Warren, Alumni Engagement - Lifelong Learning

"My kids are so proud that both their Dad and I work at Duke. I constantly tell them about the amazing accomplishments of our coworkers and the incredible breakthroughs taking place here, especially in healthcare, clinical trials and cancer research. They love to brag that their parents are Blue Devils!"

Ali Bender, School of Nursing

"The enjoyment of connections! Getting to know our members/community through fitness + wellness is what I get to do every day. Showing people the joy of using their body and minds and making it a part of their lifestyle. And everything is better with a smile!"

Lisa Hinkle, Duke Faculty Club

"Making a difference in the lives of those that have to endure healthcare disparities. They're severely underserved, misjudged, and deal with bias in the health system globally. Serving Sickle Cell Patients, I ensure they have one safe and holistic place they can come, & someone to trust."

Melody Hall, 2N Sickle Cell Clinic/Day Hospital & Benign Hematology

"I’m here to be the kind of support I’d want if I were in the bed instead of at the bedside. Helping people feel safe, heard, and cared for; patients, classmates, or coworkers; is what keeps me showing up and reminds me why this work matters."

Julio Simpson, Watts College of Nursing; 6W Surgical ICU Duke University Hospital

"Now in my second year with the Dance Department , specifically ballet, I am the instructor for the Intermediate and Advanced courses. Arts often get overlooked. I treat my classes as an “important “ break from the rigorous academics. It’s a reminder to breathe in a safe space."

James Strong, Duke Dance Department

"I work at Duke to remove barriers so the next generation of science, technology, research, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STREAM) learners and physician-scientists can pursue essential careers without major setbacks."

J. Spencer Hauck, CTSI, Office of Physician-Scientist Development and Center for Pathway Programs

"Finding new ways to help people drives my curiosity, effort and sense of fulfillment."

Bryan Sexton, DHIP

"Creating a better future for all of us."

Lynn O'Neill, Trinity - Chemistry

"Patients don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"" (Anonymous) “Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters."

Stephanie Pearson, DRH CCU

"What drives me is being part of a dedicated team whose collective efforts help patients protect and restore their vision. Together at Duke Eye Center, we deliver hope through vision, making each contribution meaningful to the lives we touch."

Catharine Goepfert, Duke Eye Center - Hudson 2 Clinic

"My 'why' is the joy of witnessing firsthand the miracle of healing—and being a participant and guide in that process. Renowned mountaineer Gaston Rébuffat wrote similarly of the joys of guiding another climber, summarizing that, 'above all,' the guide “is repaid by the pleasure of the man he guides.”

Benjamin Holmes, School of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery Department

"Healthcare allows myself to live my purpose as a caregiver—offering compassion, understanding, and support in people’s most vulnerable moments. With military service shaping my empathy, I strive to bring positive energy and be a light, reminding others they are cared for and never alone."

Henry Jacobs, Duke Primary Care of Hillsborough, North Carolina

"When I come home, I know that every day I have shown up at work was a day in which what I did was worth doing. And that was the reason I went into medicine."

Marilyn Telen, Hematology, Department of Medicine

"Being there for my patients! Those quiet moments when they tell me how much me being here and being their nurse helps them feel better. Being told that they can tell how much I care about them and what I am doing. Their smiles and laughter are my reward."

Cheyanne Rozo, 9DCT

"My why ... It's been the reason I became a nurse 21 years ago. I have always wanted to help others, feel as if I am making a difference. My why is simple. For my patients, their familiaes and loved ones!"

Chevelle A. Bullock, BTC Clinic 3-1

"Being a Trinity Academic Dean is multi-faceted and involves varied collaborative partnerships. I derive much meaning and purpose from working with individual students who have temporarily lost their academic way. By asking the right questions, listening compassionately, and maintaining professional boundaries, I invite students to contemplate and remember their “why”.

Jayne Ifekwunigwe, Trinity Academic Deans/Trinity College Undergraduate Education

"Before,
there were no more words to write.
I had outgrown
My own home.
I searched not
for prestige,
But for rigor, respect, and strength.
I wanted to be – in space -
And found myself
Beside the stars
Next to angels.
Home still,
I call myself a Blue Devil."

Hannah Clark, Dept of Orthopaedics

"As a cancer survivor, I have been given a second chance at life. The work the pharmacy does is critical to patient care and I want to do my best to take care of our patients as I was taken care of as a patient."

Angela Murphy, Duke University Hospital Central Pharmacy Sterile Preparations Cleanroom (IV room)

"A video is worth at least 50 words; these are the moments that keep me going in working with medically complicated pediatric patients!"

Valerie Jarrett, Duke Hospital Pediatric Complex Care Service

"As a nurse, I always remind myself and others that although it may be "just" a day at work for me, it can be a life changing day, issue or event for patients and loved ones that I work with which is why I give them my best everyday."

Sharon Tobias, Duke Hospital

"My why for working at Duke is to make a difference in patient care and help meet the evolving needs of the community."

Christa Gelin, Behavioral Health

"I work at Duke Urogynecology because I love being part of a team that's so committed to excellent care, research, and process improvement. I feel lucky to work with people who take such great care of our patients and each other."

Rachel Soper, Duke Urogynecology

"I enjoy what I do. I am a FCC. I have to research insurance for term dates. If I can "fix" a problem, I am very happy. No one knows what I did, but this is my job and I know what I did."

Randy Askew, PRMO Duke North Admissions