As Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Dawna will provide strategic leadership for one of Duke's most important student-facing portfolios, ensuring students have the support they need to thrive in the classroom and campus community. In partnership with students, faculty, and colleagues across the university, she will help shape the continued evolution of QuadEx, strengthen engagement and leadership opportunities, and expand support for Duke's undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Dawna joined Duke in 2021 as Director of the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture and was appointed Assistant Vice President for Identity Centers and Community Development in 2022. In that role, she has led Duke's Identity and Culture Centers through a period of transformation while advancing divisional priorities that strengthen student engagement, belonging, and community. Previously, she served as Assistant Dean and Case Manager in the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and held leadership positions at West Chester University and the University of Pittsburgh. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University, a Master of Higher Education Management from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Social Work from West Chester University, and a Ph.D. from North Carolina A&T State University.
"Dawna Jones has earned the respect and trust of faculty, students, and staff through her integrity, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success," said Lee Baker, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. "Those qualities will make her an exceptional Dean of Students, and we are thrilled by this appointment."
"When talking with her, it was clear that Dr. Jones has a firm grasp on the issues Duke students are facing and a clear vision for strengthening the student experience," said Myles Powicki, Class of 2027.
Reflecting on her new role, Dawna shared, "I've had an incredible experience at Duke, and I'm grateful to be part of this community. I'm excited for the opportunity to support students in a new way while building on the strong foundation already in place. I look forward to partnering with students, families, faculty, and staff to create meaningful traditions, strengthen the Duke experience, and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive."
I am grateful to Kim Bethea, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success Director for the Academic Resource Center; Kim Hewitt, Vice President for Institutional Equity; Chris Lott, Associate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel; Debbie Heida, Senior Advisor for Duke University Student Affairs; and the many faculty, students, campus partners, and Student Affairs colleagues who participated in this search. The search reflected Duke's shared commitment to identifying an outstanding leader for this important role.
Dawna will transition into her new responsibilities in September. An interim Assistant Vice President will be appointed to lead the Identity Centers this fall, and more information will be shared about the process for identifying a permanent successor.
I look forward to partnering with Dawna in this new role and to the positive impact her leadership will have on our students and the Duke community.
Go Duke!
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice Provost/Vice President for Student Affairs
