Duke’s pioneers are the people and organizations who push the University forward, relentlessly reimagining every aspect of our community with boundless energy and passion. They question the status quo and refuse to accept anything that is unjust or unsatisfactory.
The pioneers of this year’s Chron15 facilitated difficult conversations, founded academic programs that transformed the Duke experience and sparked community-driven change across campus and the world.
Eric Mlyn
Eric Mlyn, distinguished faculty fellow at the Kenan Institute for Ethics and lecturer at the Sanford School of Public Policy, retired this year. During his over two decades at the University, Mlyn pioneered the Robertson Scholars program, DukeEngage and DukeEngage Gateway, which have since served hundreds of students.
Throughout his time on Duke’s campus, Mlyn has been tirelessly dedicated to expanding his students’ worldview beyond themselves. Because of Mlyn, students have had the opportunity to travel to over 20 different locations in the United States and around the world to participate in community projects such as building the longest bridge in Estwatini, teaching English at refugee schools in South Korea and working to empower youth in Brazil…