Alumni Board

Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A.; University of Richmond School of Law, J.D.; Duke University School of Law, LLM

Career: Attorney at Morningstar Law Group

What DA means to me: As a second-generation DA student (and parent to two third-generation DA students), Durham Academy has been a central part of my life and a driving force behind who I am. Whether in the classroom learning from incredible teachers, battling to three state championships on the lacrosse field, volunteering with Habitat or just hanging out with classmates who are still my best friends, the Durham Academy experience provided me with invaluable lessons about character, confidence and community that I carry with me today. DA has maintained these core values while constantly continuing to innovate in an ever-changing world.

Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, B.A.

Career: Strategist for Pierce Freelon for North Carolina State Senate Campaign

My memories of DA: I believe it was my senior year at DA when I was hired to work in the office answering phones. It was wonderful that the teachers and staff trusted students with these types of responsibilities and I felt proud to help the school in my own small way. Working in the office helped build my confidence for my subsequent jobs during college.

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 and Chair, Department of Public Administration and Policy, American 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: Davidson College, B.S.

Career: Associate director of development for the University of Arizona College of Science

What DA means to me: The thing that I most appreciate about Durham Academy is the dual commitment to intellectual curiosity and community service that pervade all aspects of the student experience. As a student, I learned from and was supported by passionate teachers and administrators who lived out those values in their own work. And now, more than 10 years since graduating from DA, it’s incredible seeing the various ways that my classmates and I continue to grow, challenge ourselves, and strive to positively impact the world around us. Of course, winning two state championships with the field hockey team was a pretty cool highlight from my time there too — go DAFH!

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: 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.S.; Duke University, M.B.A.

Career: Realtor with Keller Williams Realty

What DA means to me: I am one of only a small group of DA alumni that attended the Duke Street, Academy Road and Ridge Road campuses as the school grew during the 60s, 70s and 80s. Many of my best friends still today were at DA with me.

Education: Stanford, B.A .; Duke University, J.D.

Career: Bolch Judicial Institute

What DA means to me: I fondly recall my lucky 13 years at DA, most especially my Latin classes, volleyball teammates, and the lifelong friends I made along the way. 

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.