NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley will deliver the Duke University School of Nursing 2022 Winter Hooding and Graduation Ceremony address at 10 a.m., on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Duke Chapel. The in-person event is for graduates and their families and friends; the event, including Kinsley’s speech, will be livestreamed via YouTube.

“The RWJF 2022 State Report shows that a little more than half of North Carolina counties, mostly rural, are ranked in the bottom for health outcomes such as length of life, and health factors such as access to care,” said Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, dean, Duke University School of Nursing, vice chancellor, nursing affairs, Duke University.

“As we continue our efforts here at Duke to advance health equity and social justice it’s important for us to hear Secretary Kinsley’s vision. For example, understanding the role our nurse leaders and innovators have in improving the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.

More About the Speaker

Kody Kinsley serves as North Carolina’s Secretary of Health & Human Services.  He was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper and confirmed unanimously by the North Carolina Senate. Secretary Kinsley’s department has responsibility for supporting the health and wellbeing of all North Carolinians, achieved through over 18,000 staff and a budget of $26 billion.

Secretary Kinsley’s experience is centered on health policy and operations. He worked on the digital transformation of health care at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; he crafted national education and labor policies at The White House; and he was appointed by the President to serve as the COO and CFO of the U.S. Treasury.

As Secretary, Kinsley has prioritized three areas of focus for the Department:  promoting Behavioral Health & Resilience, growing Child & Family Wellbeing, and building a Strong & Inclusive Workforce.

Kinsley grew up in Wilmington, NC, earned his bachelor’s degree from Brevard College and his Master of Public Policy from the University of California at Berkeley.

More About Ceremony

The Duke Chapel is located at 401 Chapel Drive in Durham. Doors will open for guests at 9 a.m. Tickets are required for guests. Visit nursing.duke.edu for more information.