Selfless. Positive. Dedicated. Leader. These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Virginia Tech employee David Duckett.

Duckett is a special student program support specialist for IT Experience and Engagement in the Division of Information Technology. He is known by his peers for demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities in his work helping students understand their IT options and providing them with first-rate customer service.

Duckett came to Virginia Tech as an undergraduate student in 2006. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the university. During his studies, he held multiple part-time positions with university including writing tutor for the Writing Center and knowledgebase editor for 4Help. He also worked for 4Help’s Get Connected program, which fueled his love for IT and led him to his current position.

In 2013, Duckett transitioned into a full-time employee for what was then University Computing Support. In his current role, Duckett assists the unit in providing support and information regarding computing, security, and information technology services to new students. He also helps hire, mentor, and develop the skills of the unit’s student employees.

“He is selflessly committed to providing our student employees with opportunities for learning, discovery and engagement,” said Anne Sheppard, manager of special student programs for IT Experience and Engagement. “He encourages and assists each of them in learning and growing both professionally and technically.”

According to Sheppard, Duckett has become the go-to person for many projects, including taking over the unit’s leadership responsibilities during a period when she needed to work off-site.

“David’s enthusiastic attitude, can-do spirit, and unwavering patient demeanor in any situation truly show his commitment to live and lead in the spirt of the Virginia Tech moto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),” said Sheppard.

In recognition of his strength as a leader, Duckett has received the university's 2016 McComas Staff Leadership Award. The McComas Staff Leadership Award honors the significant leadership contribution of a classified or university staff member who has been employed at Virginia Tech for at least one year. Duckett received the award at the annual James D. McComas Staff Leadership Seminar on April 6. He will also receive a $500 monetary award.

Duckett said he was honored to receive the award and credits his success as a leader to his colleagues.

“So much credit goes to my department and the dedicated, intelligent people who work to improve IT services and the usage of them,” he said. “If I was given this award for leadership, it was because I have had plenty of good examples.”

 

Written by Katie Huger, employee communications manager.

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