The Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences at Duke University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Debara Tucci as Professor Emeritus, in recognition of her extraordinary career and enduring contributions to the Duke community.
Dr. Tucci retired from the Duke Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences in the summer of 2019, where she held the rank of Professor with Tenure. She joined the Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery in the Department of Surgery in 1993. Her tenure at Duke was distinguished by excellence in clinical care, education, and research. Widely respected as a clinician, educator, and scientist, her leadership left a lasting imprint on both the department and the institution.
Among her many contributions, Dr. Tucci was instrumental in launching a leadership development program for mid-career faculty and served as Chair of the departmental Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure Committee from 2015 to 2017. Her mentorship and advocacy for faculty development have shaped the careers of many current and future leaders in the field.
Following her retirement, Dr. Tucci assumed the role of Director of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) at the National Institutes of Health, where she continues to lead national efforts in advancing research and clinical care in hearing and communication disorders.
Despite her transition to the NIH, Dr. Tucci has remained deeply connected to Duke through her Adjunct Professor appointment. She has returned to campus to deliver prestigious lectures, including the Kenan and Hudson Lectures, and has maintained strong mentoring relationships with faculty and trainees. Her ongoing engagement exemplifies her unwavering commitment to Duke’s academic mission.
The appointment of Dr. Tucci as Professor Emeritus is a fitting tribute to her distinguished career and her continued dedication to the Duke community. This designation not only honors her legacy but also ensures her lasting affiliation with the department and institution.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Tucci on this well-deserved honor.