Alumni Board

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: Princeton University, B.A.; New York University School of Law, J.D.

Career: Vice President Legal, Freeline

"I joined the Alumni Board soon after moving back to Durham from New York City with my wife and two kids. As a DA 'lifer' and parent, I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay involved with the school that prepared me and countless others to live a moral, happy and productive life. I hope to draw on my recent experience as a “long-distance” alum to help maintain DA’s strong connections with its alumni near and far."

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: Duke University, B.A.; St. Thomas University School of Law, J.D./M.S.

Career: Associate Director of Gift Planning, Duke University

"For me, DA is synonymous with the term 'foundation.' DA’s faculty and staff cultivated my love of learning and taught me, among many things, to live a purposeful life. As a cornerstone of my academic, moral and social development, my DA experience supplied me with the fundamental tools, values and skills I needed to thrive both personally and professionally."

Education: N.C. State University, B.S., N.C. State University, D.V.M.

Career: Veterinarian, Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital

“I returned to the DA community when I moved back to the area and reconnected with my teachers. I became much more involved when my kids started at DA three years ago. The more that I am around other DA parents, alumni and students, the more I am thankful for this community of amazing people who bring a variety of knowledge, experience and expertise to the table. I am on the alumni board in an effort to encourage previous graduates to rejoin this incredible community of people and recognize the important work that Durham Academy is doing to constantly reevaluate and improve education.”

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., 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: 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: Duke University, B.S.; Columbia Business School, M.B.A.

Career: Radiology Resident, UNC Health

"When I think about my 14 years at DA, I immediately think about the incredible teachers and lifelong friends that shaped me into the person I am today. Simply put, DA means community. A place that, as the slogan so perfectly states it, gave me the tools to live a moral, happy and productive life. It is hard to describe and put into words what a positive impact those years were for me. For instance, the incredibly challenging and rewarding chemistry courses with Keri Newman, which by the time I was at UNC, allowed me to excel and put me on the path towards medicine. Or, the life long friendships I developed and the opportunity to explore so many unique opportunities, such as joining XIV Hours (our a cappella group) or presenting at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. 

"I am very excited to be a part of the alumni board! For years I wanted to give back to my school, and joining the board with other like-minded alumni was the perfect opportunity. When I think about my 14 years at DA, I immediately think of the immensely positive impact it had on my life. The incredible teachers who nurtured a love for chemistry, eventually leading me to medicine or the lifelong friendships I developed. I knew I wanted and had to give back. I look forward to helping each and every student have the same incredible positive experience that I was so lucky to have."

Education: Duke University, B.S.; Columbia Business School, M.B.A.

Career: Investment Banking Associate, Centerview Partners

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!