J. Chad Duncan, PhD, CRC, CPO, has been named the new director at the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC). He will assume the role on January 1. Duncan succeeds John W. Michael, MEd, CPO, who has directed NUPOC since 2009. Michael will continue as an educator at NUPOC and help with Duncan’s transition.
A NUPOC graduate, Duncan completed his certificate training in prosthetics in 1997 and orthotics in 1999. At Auburn University, Duncan earned a doctorate in 2008 in rehabilitation services, a master’s of science in rehabilitation counseling in 2006, and a bachelor of science in rehabilitation services in 1995. He also earned a certificate in rehabilitation leadership and management in 2009 at Auburn.
Duncan is an associate professor and clinical educator at NUPOC. In addition to presenting lectures and supervising students in their clinical practicums, he has served as capstone coordinator, curriculum development coordinator, and faculty co-advisor to the NUPOC student society. He also worked to launch a special interest society in the American Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) and serves as director of the Midwest Chapter of the AAOP.
Duncan is an active contributor and leader in multiple national, regional, and state professional organizations, including his service as president of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education. He helped establish the first master’s degree P&O program at Alabama State University.
He has also served in editorial positions for the American Board of Vocational Experts, Journal for Forensic Vocational Analysis, and the Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling. He has received the AAOP Outstanding Educator Award (2018), Presidential Citation for Support and Outstanding Contribution to the American Board of Vocational Experts (2015), and New Career in Rehabilitation Education (2013) awards.
