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Denis Simon Awarded for Contributions to International Higher Education

Simon has been executive vice chancellor at Duke Kunshan University since 2015

The Association of International Education Administrators has named Denis Simon, executive vice chancellor at Duke Kunshan University, as the 2020 Charles Klasek Award honoree.

The award recognizes his work as a scholar and researcher, educator and senior administrator within the field of international education. The award is presented each year at the group's annual conference to individuals with a record of long-standing and exceptional service to the field. 

Simon, who since 2015 oversaw both the completion of the Duke Kunshan University campus and the launch of its undergraduate program, will step down from that position on June 30 -- the end of his five-year term. He will take on a new role as senior adviser on China to Duke President Vincent E. Price.

As DKU’s principal academic and administrative officer, Simon has overseen the creation of a global enrollment team, the completion of the first phase of the 200-acre campus and, in partnership with Duke faculty leaders, the development of an innovative curriculum and the hiring of a more than 80 faculty members from around the world.  He has also represented DKU to Chinese and U.S. government officials, donors, employers and higher education leaders.