Duke University is taking an important next step in strengthening excellence and innovation in teaching and learning. As part of a university-wide effort to elevate the educational experience for all Duke learners, Learning Innovation & Lifetime Education (LILE) is transitioning into the new Duke Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). The CTL will serve as Duke’s central hub for pedagogical innovation and digital education strategy partnership.
A New Chapter for Teaching and Learning at Duke
In announcing the new center, Provost Alec D. Gallimore highlighted the intentional restructuring behind the new center:
“This new structure reflects our strategic effort to align our people and resources with our mission. Refocusing these important teaching and learning support services will enable stronger coordination and collaboration and enhance our ability to meet the evolving needs of our students and faculty,” wrote Gallimore.
The CTL will focus heavily on engagement with faculty to ensure the center launches with both faculty and learner needs at its core, but remain home to several functions housed within LILE, including:
- Faculty-centered teaching and learning programming
- Pedagogical support services
- The digital education strategy team, which partners with Duke’s schools and Trinity College on online, hybrid, and Coursera program strategy and development
- Support for faculty use of core tools such as Canvas
- The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
Joe Salem, the Rita DiGiallonardo Holloway University Librarian and Vice Provost for Library Affairs, will oversee the center as a standalone unit.
“Through this initiative, we are underscoring Duke’s commitment to support outstanding teaching and mentorship throughout the university,” said Salem. “The center will also play a key role in expanding global access to Duke courses and programs, extending the reach of our faculty’s teaching and the university’s impact far beyond campus.”
What This Means for LILE
As the new CTL takes shape, LILE will sunset. This transition involves several structural shifts to more closely coordinate these services with Duke’s academic units.
Programs and Services Transitioning to Other Units
- Summer Session will move to Duke’s schools and Trinity College for more direct academic alignment.
- Pre-College programs will transition to Academic Affairs for Summer 2026. For more information, visit Duke Pre-College Programs
- Continuing education and professional programs will be revisited in collaboration with the schools. Learners already enrolled or registered will be able to complete current programs.
- Core services, such as finance operations and student information systems, will be centralized at the university level for greater efficiency and coordination.
The Future of Lifetime Education at Duke
As Duke strengthens its academic and professional learning portfolio, the University is adopting a school-based model for developing lifelong learning programs that reinforce Duke’s academic strengths and mission. Many programs historically managed by LILE will be redesigned in partnership with schools, while others will wind down as part of this transition.
The center will serve as a strategic partner to schools in shaping and executing their digital education strategy—supporting program design, guiding development, and ensuring high-quality learning experiences.
Together, these efforts expand access to Duke’s academic excellence and create meaningful learning pathways for a broader community of learners.
Educational Technology Integration
Staff who support Duke’s educational technologies and back-end systems have transitioned to the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and Student Information Services and Systems (SISS). This integration will realize a collaborative support model across CTL, OIT, and SISS, integrating pedagogical, technology, and university systems expertise in helping faculty use technology in their teaching. The CTL will continue to advise faculty on use of educational technologies in the classroom.
Looking Ahead
Changes to the CTL’s branding, organization, programs and services will continue to roll out across Spring and Summer 2026; subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and opportunities.
If you have questions, need support, or would like to share feedback during this transition, please contact us at dukectl@duke.edu.
The CTL will continue LILE’s commitment to delivering high-impact services that matter most to Duke educators and learners, guided by a spirit of collaboration, discovery, and excellence. We look forward to partnering with the Duke campus community as we build this next chapter together.
