UCO Dean Receives Statewide Distinguished Service Award for Dedication to Educator Preparation

Aug. 22, 2024

Two individuals pose with an award.
Two individuals pose with an award.

Bryan Duke, Ph.D., dean of the University of Central Oklahoma College of Education and Professional Studies, was honored with the Oklahoma Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (OACTE) Distinguished Service Award. 

The Distinguished Service Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by OACTE, a professional organization dedicated to advancing educator preparation, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, advocacy and dedication to advancing educator preparation across Oklahoma.

"Dean Duke is the most recognized and respected leader in teacher preparation and advancement," said UCO President Todd G. Lamb. "This recognition is long overdue and deserved. UCO is fortunate to have Dean Duke leading our College of Education and Professional Studies."

Duke is a dedicated advocate for enhancing teacher education, working to improve the quality and effectiveness of the educator preparation program at Central. His leadership and vision have impacted the educational community, fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure that future educators are prepared to meet the challenges of modern classrooms. His commitment to excellence has been instrumental in positioning UCO as a leader in teacher education. 

Duke worked as an educator in Oklahoma Public Schools from 1991 to 2002 before joining UCO. Duke has held multiple positions at Central, including as faculty and various leadership roles, before serving as the interim dean in 2021. He was formally appointed dean in June 2023.

For more information about the College of Education and Professional Studies, visit ceps.uco.edu. ​ 

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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma's Bryan Duke, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS), was honored with the Oklahoma Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (OACTE) Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional service, advocacy and dedication to advancing educator preparation across Oklahoma. Pictured left to right, Heather Sparks, Ed.D., president of OACTE, and Bryan Duke, Ph.D., dean of the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies.

Autumn Anderson

Autumn Anderson

Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, UCO College of Education and Professional Studies

 

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About University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma is a campus community in motion—leading, innovating and creating transformative learning opportunities that foster success for our students. As Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan university, we provide high-quality, nationally recognized programs that are always evolving and adapting to the needs of our students and the community. This commitment is rooted in our founding in 1890 as the state’s teacher’s college, training those who would educate the next generation of leaders and innovators. We remain dedicated to offering an accessible, affordable education, earning national accolades for social mobility, veterans’ outreach and first-generation student programs.

Guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” – the university continues to evolve and grow, offering 119 undergraduate and 81 graduate programs to our more than 12,000 students from our main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro. Our colors were the first adopted of any university in the state, and our Bronze and Blue symbolize our greatest strengths—the illumination of new ideas and the endless expanse of a clear sky above. At UCO, anything is possible.

The university is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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