Richard Riddell, secretary to Board of Trustees, will retire after this year

Richard Riddell, senior vice president and secretary to the Board of Trustees, is set to step down June 30, 2020.

Serving in the role since 2007, Riddell acts as a liaison between the Board—Duke's governing body that sets its strategy—and the administration. He sets their agenda and serves as trustees' main point of contact with the University.

He came to the University in 1992 as a professor in the theater studies department and is currently the Mary D.B.T. and James H. Semans professor of the practice in theater studies. 

“I’ll be 70 years old next year and that seems like a good time for the next adventure,” Riddell said in a news release. “I’ve loved working with Presidents [Richard] Brodhead and [Vincent] Price, members of the Board of Trustees and talented and dedicated colleagues and staff. I look forward to working with everyone to ensure a smooth transition.” 

Price commended Riddell for his service to the University.

“Richard Riddell is a deeply valued adviser and counselor to me, the trustees, the faculty and so many members of the Duke community,” Price said in the release.  “His knowledge of how the many parts of Duke fit together and his commitment to Duke’s excellence and core values have been essential to our success over the past 15 years. I join now several generations of colleagues and trustees who are grateful for Richard’s intelligence, wisdom and tireless devotion to Duke.” 

Aside from his work at the University, Riddell is also an accomplished scene and lighting designer. He won a Tony Award in 1985 for the musical "Big River" and has also worked on Broadway. Prior to his tenure at Duke, he taught at Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego.