For the last three years, hundreds of members of the DUSON community have invested time and energy to create a strategic roadmap for our future. And part of this strategy is focusing on making sure DUSON continues to be a destination for outstanding talent!

What better way to recognize the talent we have at DUSON than to hear from our colleagues directly. In the Spring, we started a new series, Faculty Focus, where our faculty share unique aspects of their roles, seminal moments in their careers, advice they received, or advice they'd give to students as they think about their careers in nursing. We celebrate our students through Student Success stories located on the front page of the DUSON website and on each academic program page.

Beginning with this edition of the Monday Update, we're starting a new feature, 10 Questions with..., where we will learn more about our colleagues... things like how they balance career and their personal life, what music is on their playlist, who they would have dinner with, and more.

In this inaugural edition, get to know Michael Evans, assistant dean of Communications, Marketing and Business Development, who has been with DUSON for nearly seven years.

Q: What's the best advice you've ever received?
A: Be prepared so that when opportunities present themselves, you can take advantage of them.

Q: What inspires you working at Duke?
A: Being part of something that's bigger than myself.

Q: What past work experience did you have that helped prepare you for DUSON?
A: I've had the opportunity to use bits and pieces from just about every job I've had throughout my professional career.

Q:What three words would you use to describe DUSON?
A: Dynamic, Complex, High-achieving

Q: How do you balance career and outside life?
A: I try to find ways to disconnect, usually around water (the boat, the beach) that allows me to recharge.

Q: What was your first job?
A: When I was 14 I was a busboy in a restaurant.

Q: What music is on your playlist?
A: Country, Classic R&B, and Jazz

Q: What would you do (for a career) if you weren't doing this?
A: Be a lawyer.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
A: My dad. He passed away last year.

Q: What is something that most people don't know about you?
A: I once met Prince Phillip, Queen Elizabeth's husband, at a fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida.

Wow, thanks for sharing more about yourself Michael!

Who's Next?

Would you like to be a part of our 10 Questions with... series? Visit http://bit.ly/SON10Questions to submit your profile!