Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, is a Professor at the Duke University School of Nursing and Director of the Nursing Education Major. Dr. De Gagne has experimented with AI in her research and teaching, facilitated global conversations on AI among nurse educators, and created resources to ensure that nursing-specific AI tools are widely accessible.
With a Duke Nursing degree, Lester Manalo BSN’09 embarked on a unique career trajectory, moving from work with babies recovering from cardiac surgery, to a nurse practitioner degree, to a community health organization, to a role in a US embassy, to his current leadership role in university health. He shares insights from his journey, highlighting the versatility of nursing.
As summer temperatures climb, nurses are sounding the alarm: extreme heat is not just uncomfortable, but a serious health risk. From emergency departments to community clinics, nurses see firsthand how high temperatures can quickly become dangerous, especially for people with underlying health conditions or limited access to cooling.
Our school’s commitment to advancing nursing science began decades before the 2006 launch of the PhD program.
There is a thread that runs through Duke University School of Nursing, one that weaves together education and experience to create a tapestry of care across the lifespan. Our students, staff, faculty, and thousands of alumni have built a culture of care that has impacted countless lives in our own backyard here in Durham, across the nation, and throughout the world.
My mother talked about nursing and healthcare issues as long as I can remember. My aunt was one of the first nurse anesthetists at Duke Hospital, and I loved hearing her experiences and stories as well, not just at Duke but later in her career. I always was interested in the sciences and started leaning toward healthcare (particularly nursing) when in middle school. As a teen I volunteered at a large hospital in Buffalo, NY, during the summers and thought all aspects were fascinating. The patients, the doctors, the routine, and environment.
Jeanie Jones graduated from Duke University School of Nursing with her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in December 2025 and has remained at the School to pursue her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
On April 10, 2026, alumni gathered for a memorable reunion ceremony to honor the outstanding achievements of this year’s award recipients. The 2025 Alumni Awards celebrated individuals whose dedication, impact, and leadership have made a lasting impression on our community.