Alumni Board

Education: Appalachian State University, B.S.

Career: Residential Realtor with Peak, Swirles & Cavallito Properties

What DA means to me: DA is a part of my past, present, and future. When my parents made the decision to send me to my father's alma mater (Calvert School, during my dad's years), they likely didn't realize that they would assign a part of my life that would continue for almost 40 years and counting. I am honored that my children are now students at Durham Academy, and I have no doubt that DA will prepare them as well for a confident, happy, successful and meaningful adulthood. I am thankful for teachers, coaches, and friends at Durham Academy who consistently found the best in me and challenged me to excel in my own distinct path in life. 

Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.S.; Columbia University, M.B.A. and M.P.H.

Career: Product Manager, Ramona Optics

What DA means to me: Durham Academy is far more than a school — it is a wonderful community in which to grow as a person. The teachers, staff, coaches and students provided constant inspiration and support to be my best self, explore my interests, and make an impact. I came away with an intellectual curiosity that propelled me throughout my higher education journey and into my career. I will always be grateful for the foundation that DA provided for my life. 

Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, B.A.; University of Miami, M.B.A.

Career: Senior Manager of Global Patient Safety, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

What DA means to me: Durham Academy was a community that laid the foundation to cultivate growth and friendships, shaping who I am as a person today. The teachers and mentors pushed me to think analytically and look at the world through a different lens. It prepared me for the world beyond school and I am thankful for the lifelong memories that I have from DA.

Education: Wake Forest University, B.A.

Career: Area Vice President, Gartner

What DA means to me: As a proud DA “lifer,” daughter of a retired DA teacher, and now a mom to a rising first-grader and pre-kindergartner, Durham Academy has meant the world to me for 30+ years. The community it fosters, my lifelong closest friendships that have formed both past and now present, and the supportive faculty who inspire all of us every day to show up and be the best we can be are unparalleled at Durham Academy. To put it simply, I would not be the person I am today without DA as my backbone.

Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, B.A.

Career: Most recently, I completed a post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2018–2020). This fall, I will begin a Master of Public Health program at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. 

What DA means to me: For me, Durham Academy served as a stepping stone that adequately prepared me for the academic rigor I would face throughout higher education. Additionally, DA is where I learned the importance of advocating for myself as a student – both academically and personally. 

Education: Morehouse College, B.A.; Georgetown University, M.P.P.; University of Kentucky, Ph.D.

Career: Associate professor within the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University

What DA means to me: Durham Academy was and still is a very special place for me and my family. DA — and the people who worked hard daily — promoted a culture of inquiry, creativity and character development. When I think back, I appreciate the great teachers, administrators, coaches and classmates who came together to make it meaningful. 

Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, B.S.

Career: Manager of Enterprise Account Management with TIBCO Software, Inc.

What DA means to me: Durham Academy is special to me because it is where I met my wife and my best friends. It helped shape me into the man I am today, and I am forever grateful for that. 

Education: UNC- Chapel Hill, B.A., Morehead-Cain Scholar, Class of 2024

What DA means to me: Durham Academy means everything to me. It’s where I developed foundational relationships and learned to value curiosity, critical-thinking, and character. It’s a community built by people like Jim Cleary, the head of security, who never fails to offer a fist bump, learning specialist Jen Rogers who gives extraordinary advice and mentorship, and James Bohanek whose passion for the dramatic arts is infectious. The faculty, staff, and coaches made me feel confident, engaged, and excited to learn. I am grateful for the memories, lessons, and for the home that DA provided.

Education: Duke University, B.A.

Career: Head of Business Development and Marketing, YCO Cloud Centers

What DA means to me: I found confidence at DA. I often think back to one afternoon in Dr. Thomas' literature class getting into an intellectual "debate" about an interpretation of one of Dante Alighieri's many meanings in Inferno. I thought little of it at the time, but Dr. Thomas wrote in my report card that he saw me transform in that very moment and take command of my voice. This memory will always push me to make myself heard regardless of the setting. This is one of many DA learnings that have shaped my life for the better. 

Education: Southern Methodist University, B.A., B.S., M.S.M.

Career: Portfolio analyst with Pacific Western Bank

What DA means to me: The most meaningful part of DA to me were the teachers that challenged me and got to know me on a personal level. Teachers who cared to help navigate me through successes and setbacks in and out of the classroom. A school where critical thinking and intellectual curiosity are as important as moral values and character development. I felt so fortunate to go to school with friends in a place where we could be ourselves and grow. Most importantly, I am grateful for the diversity of people and experiences that prepared me for college and beyond.

Education: Duke University, B.A.

Career: Executive Director, Durham Success Summit

My memories of DA: Whenever I think about DA, I’m reminded of the range of productive and engaging activities on campus that supplemented my academic growth. I was particularly fond of our community service days and opportunities to engage with my home room and the local community.

Education: Davidson College, B.A.; Harvard Graduate School of Education, M. Ed.

Career: Social Impact & Philanthropic Advisor

What DA means to me: DA was (and I suspect still is) a true community because of the sum of its parts: Big Mac, Randy Baker and EC [longtime maintenance team members] who made campus feel like home; Mr. Steiner [now Head of School Michael Ulku-Steiner] who 25 years ago looked exactly the same and led with the same humble grace; the teachers and coaches who challenged and nurtured us and poured into us; the kids in our advisory and gym class, yearbook club and Senior Challenge who made us laugh and made us think; our sports and arts teammates who instilled in us confidence and connectedness; our closest friends, some of whom have followed us through life. I am grateful for this place, its people, and the community it creates.

Education: Vassar College, B.A.; University of Georgia School of Law, J.D.

Career: Managing counsel, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

My memories of DA: My most enduring memories from my time as a student at DA revolve around the teachers who showed genuine dedication to helping me succeed and grow. Were it not for the summer that Mr. Bryson spent tutoring me in math, the four years that I studied Latin under Mrs. Keene, or the multitude of other experiences that I had over my 14 years at DA, I would not have left the school with the foundation that was critical to all that I have achieved since.

Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, B.A.

Career: IT developer, UNC Health

What DA means to me: Durham Academy provided an excellent academic foundation. Mr. Gould encouraged me to THIMK — to question, to explore, and to analyze. Dr. King inspired my creativity — I produced a plethora of poetry (not all angst-ridden). I also formed lifelong friendships at Durham Academy that are still in place today. My three best friends are from my class of 1987 — we support each other through our ups and downs — I love them.

Education: University of Virginia, B.S.

Career: Senior Technical Engagement Manager, Strategic Search Consultant at Yext

What DA means to me: DA was a great place for me to grow and learn from excellent teachers, coaches, and peers. DA was able to challenge me and develop me into a better student which helped me tremendously during my time at UVA. Outside of the academics, I loved the time I spent with DA Athletics and the incredible connections I made with numerous coaches, teammates, and even the athletes I’ve had the chance to coach. Durham means a lot to me, and I truly believe Durham Academy played a big role in that!