Charlene Duncan receives Excellence in Advising & Student Services Award

Charlene Duncan, CS Scholars program director, has been honored with an Excellence in Advising & Student Services Award at UC Berkeley.

The Outstanding Advisor or Student Services Staff Award is presented to individuals “with more than three years of experience working in advising or student support at Berkeley whose primary role is the direct delivery of advising and/or student services to students. Ideal candidates have demonstrated a positive impact on student learning, engagement, belonging, and success; and embody a student-centered, equity-oriented, strengths-based approach to advising, counseling, or mentoring.”

Her nomination reads, “Charlene Duncan is an inspiring leader who has helped to create a cohesive community in the large and rigorous EECS Department. For nearly a decade, Charlene has served as a guide, advocate, and champion for Computer Science students, with a particular focus on students from underserved and under-resourced backgrounds. Her impact is sustained, the scope of her work is vast, and yet she uses an individualized, student-centered approach for each advisee. She has a special ability to put others at ease, build trust and embodies the Berkeley spirit of community and inclusiveness. Charlene stands at the heart of Departmental efforts to create community for those who need it the most. As the Director for CS Scholars, she has served nearly 800 students, advising, supporting and cheering them on to achieve their bachelors’ degrees.”