From Introduction to Impact: The Evolution of the Duke CTSI WFD–Norfolk State University Technical Assistance Partnership
The best collaborations start with a simple introduction and a generous connector. That’s the origin story of the technical assistance partnership between Duke CTSI’s Center for Pathway Programs and Keirra Dillard of Norfolk State University (NSU). Thanks to a warm introduction from Dr. Lance Okeke, doors opened between CTSI’s Workforce Development Pillar (WFD) and Dillard, a motivated educator from Okeke’s network. Seeking an opportunity for deeper engagement, WFD invited The Center to pick up where their CRP Roadshow leaves off. As a result, Dillard is on track to launch a brand new mentorship pilot in the Fall, and the team is poised to share learnings from the journey.
A Homegrown Pilot Rooted in Abundance
When Dillard first met with Center co-director Amber Richardson, there was no shortage of ideas for an offering that would support NSU’s bio majors; the problem—or so we thought—was that we’d struggle to find the resources to bring those ideas to life. Quickly, however, as Richardson prompted Dillard to examine her connections with students, faculty, and colleagues, it became clear that the puzzle pieces were there, waiting to be rearranged.
Dillard and Richardson began to meet regularly, workshopping a program concept, eligibility criteria, desired outcomes, and the people who would be essential to making this experience worthwhile. Gradually, the NSU Biology & Pre-Professional Mentorship Program took shape. The pilot, set to launch in Fall 2026, is designed to support undergraduate students through structured mentorship with faculty, alumni, and professionals across biology and health science-related careers. The program’s goals are to enhance academic and career development, provide exposure to wide-ranging pathways, foster meaningful connections, and create a scalable infrastructure for long-term program growth.
Richardson’s expertise provided scaffolding for Dillard’s efforts, harnessing her passion into a well-organized operation poised for success. Together, they’ve mapped foundational components like mentor recruitment and matching processes, engagement requirements, assessment strategies, and a budget, among others. The partnership is hands-on, collaborative, and responsive to NSU’s needs.
Institutional Buy-In: A Pleasant Surprise
Dillard’s pilot presentation has been met with enthusiastic support. The newly minted program architect has been delighted by the “yes, and” mentality of her colleagues, with institutional leaders rallying behind her idea and offering to invest more resources than originally requested. This is a testament to the power of resource mapping with an abundance mindset: instead of focusing on what’s missing, this approach identifies and leverages existing assets, from alumni and local professionals eager to mentor, to motivated students hungry to advance, to colleagues turned champions.
Dillard and Richardson’s collaboration is on track to be shared beyond Duke and NSU. They’ve submitted a proposal for a session at the annual conference of the Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs, where they intend to present their partnership as a case study and model. Their session, “Resource Mapping with an Abundance Mindset,” will offer practical tools and templates for pathway professionals everywhere.
Amplifying Impact and Modeling Engagement
The momentum is electrifying, and the work is far from complete. Richardson is working with Duke CTSI leadership to explore ways to scale this model, envisioning it as a blueprint for how the Institute engages institutional partners investing in pathways. This partnership is an exciting, tangible example of how institutions can leverage resources and networks to advance shared goals and broader pathway ecosystems. Perhaps most importantly, this is one proof point that we stand to accomplish exciting things when we get curious about what we have, rather than what we think we lack.
Get Involved
Want to learn more, collaborate, or get involved? Sign up to join our community of practice or contact the Center for Pathway Programs at thecenter@duke.edu.
