Franklin (Frank) Dukes

Dr. Frank Dukes came to IEN as a senior associate in 1991 and remained for 30-plus years before stepping down after 15 years as director. As such, Frank Dukes led an organization that helps individuals, communities, and public agencies find just and sustainable solutions to complex problems and conflict. He continues to work full-time at local, state, and federal levels on projects involving environment and land use, community development, health, and education. He is the author or co-author of numerous books, articles, and chapters and the receipeient of dozens of awards and recognitions for his contributions and service.  Of his work, he writes: 

As a mediator and facilitator, I seek to help communities address complex problems and conflicts in ways that build community resilience and that strengthen organizations. My work fits within one of three broad categories: building knowledge; building capacity; and building sustainable solutions. Underlying all of the work is a commitment to justice and equity.

In recent years I have gravitated towards two geographic areas of focus. These are the coalfields of Appalachia and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. I also am working on a number of projects involving the transformation of historic sites and communities, including founding UCARE (University & Community Action for Racial Equity), serving on the design team of UVA's Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, serving as co-facilitator of Africatown's (Mobile, Alabama) Heritage Preservation Foundation, and more.

Frank earned his B.A. in Music at the University of Virginia; an M.S. in Conflict Management from George Mason University; and his Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, also from George Mason. He attended the United States Air Force Academy from 1969-1971.