Doris Blackwell
Program Officer 1
Office of Faculty Affairs/Faculty Center
Years at 51ԹϺ: 1.5
Immediate Family: Two sons, Sedrick and Brian Allen, and 5 grandchildren, Sabian, Ben, Bryce, Ayana, and Bella Rose.
What trait do you most like about yourself?
Transparency. It is important to me that I am open in my communications with others.
What trait would you like to change?
Nuance. Sometimes I find myself deep in the weeds.
Tell us about a woman who’s been a mentor to you.
I have been fortunate to have had several women and men who were mentors. Two individuals readily come to mind:
Amy Barbee and I worked together for 10 years at the Organization for Tropical Studies at Duke University. As my supervisor, she was instrumental in my professional development by supporting my educational and career aspirations. Amy encouraged me and provided resources and the flexibility I needed as a young professional and mother with two small children to help me reach my career goals while balancing work, school, and family life.
Elizabeth Kiss, former executive director at the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, gave me honest and valuable feedback during annual evaluations and provided support and mentorship to help me develop skills to advance my career. Elizabeth challenged me by appointing me lead on projects and ensuring I had the resources and proper professional guidance to be successful. It was through Elizabeth’s confidence in my abilities, that I am able to guide others in their work and professional development today.
If you could have any other job on campus, whose or what would it be?
At this time there is no other job on campus I would like to have. At Nevada State College as assistant to the dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, I worked primarily with faculty searches and onboarding. Being a part of the 51ԹϺ Faculty Center is a natural fit, because I like working on faculty initiatives. This fall the Faculty Center will move to the second floor of Beam Hall and will have spaces for faculty development trainings, quiet study, a conference room, and a lounge.
Who is an unsung hero at 51ԹϺ?
Hands down, Gina Schneider, dispatch supervisor in Police Services. Gina was assigned as my peer mentor, and we quickly became friends past the four-month peer mentor program. Gina is a great listener, a huge resource, and addressed all of the many questions and concerns I had as a new employee. She gave me a tour of the campus “a few times,” explaining the landscape and history along the way. Without her guidance, I am certain I would not have adapted to 51ԹϺ as quickly as I did.
You just won Megabucks and want to give back to the university. What would you support and why?
I would support classified employees and provide professional trainings and educational opportunities to help them advance in their careers. Classified employees are vital to the support and operations of 51ԹϺ.
What 51ԹϺ head-scratcher do you wish you knew the answer to?
Why does it take so long to get things approved and processed here?
Any advice for young women starting careers on campus?
Don’t be afraid to jump in and take on new challenges. It’s the only way you will learn and grow. Also, network and get to know your peers outside of your department/unit/college. You never know how those interactions might benefit you in the future.
