The Alumni Council is comprised of Nicholas School of the Environment Alums who are elected by the school to serve on a Board for a period of three years each. The Council is responsible for fostering better relationships between alumni, alumni and the school, and between alumni and the student body. Their mandate is ultimately to serve the school on a range of issues as set forth by the Dean of the Nicholas School. The Council convenes once a semester on Duke’s campus to engage with students and to discuss initiatives and also participates in frequent communications with school administration throughout the year.

Benefits & Expectations

Potential Benefits

• Connect with the school from a strategic position
• Influence the direction of how the school engages with alumni
• Learn more about the school and broaden your perspectives on current issues/ topics
• Improve alumni relations for the school and university by sharing your individual knowledge and skills
• Receive exposure to other disciplines and professions which you may not encounter in your “day job”
• Strengthen your reputation and build your personal brand
• Enrich your career and/or professional development
• Have access to new networks that may not have been previously available or considered
• Get advanced invitations to university and school-related events and programs
• Have fun!

Time Commitments

• Attend on-campus business meetings twice a year — one in the fall and one in the spring. Meetings typically begin with dinner on Thursday evening, followed by our business meeting on Friday morning through late afternoon. Due to special on-campus events, meetings can be scheduled during the week or at a different time than usual, if deemed appropriate.
• Attend virtual business meetings held approximately three to four times annually
• Actively engage as alumni leaders 3-5 hours monthly

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

• “Lead by example” in supporting the school as volunteers and donors
• Serve as an ambassador by pro-actively staying apprised of activities, plans, and needs of the school; share pertinent information with your Nicholas School networks.
• Participate effectively in a collaborative group process, provide feedback in a respectful manner, and be open to a variety of recommendations
• Respond to requests via email and phone for feedback or assistance

Interested in joining the Alumni Council? Contact Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Christy Thompson.