Nominations are now open for the 2026 Presidential Awards at Duke University. These awards honor outstanding contributions made by staff and faculty over the past academic year.
The awards, organized by the Office of the President and Duke Human Resources, recognize individuals and teams who embody Duke’s core values: Respect, Trust, Inclusion, Discovery, and Excellence. These awards represent the highest accolades given within the university community.
Anyone from the Duke community can nominate individuals or teams across all job classifications. Both full-time and part-time benefits-eligible employees can be considered. However, previous winners are not eligible.
To make a nomination, you’ll need to submit a brief summary—200 words or a video of up to two minutes—highlighting the nominees’ significant contributions. You’ll also need at least one letter of support, with a maximum of two additional letters accepted.
All nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. on October 17, 2025. After this date, a selection committee appointed by Duke President Vincent E. Price will review all nominations and recommend winners, who will be honored at a ceremony on March 17, 2026.
This tradition of recognizing excellence isn’t just about awards; it’s about fostering a community that upholds shared values. As workplace culture becomes increasingly important, universities and institutions across the country are also ramping up their recognition programs. Research by Gallup shows that employee recognition can significantly boost morale and productivity, making these awards more crucial than ever.
In today’s digital age, social media trends also play a role in how organizations celebrate their teams. Many universities showcase nominations and winners online, creating a sense of community and pride. Engaging with the broader community through platforms like Twitter and Instagram makes these events more accessible and inclusive.
For more details about the nomination process, visit the Presidential Awards page.
