Lewis Duncan (2004-2014)

Lewis Duncan (2004-2014)

Description

Lewis M. Duncan is a physicist, academic leader, and the fourteenth president of Rollins College serving in that distinguished role from 2004 to 2014. During his decade-long tenure, he guided the College to sustained national recognition, including maintaining its top ranking among regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Under his leadership, Rollins became a leading producer of Fulbright Scholars, expanded international enrollment, launched new academic programs that increased enrollment and the college’s financial health, and significantly increased endowment and fundraising dollars.

Duncan oversaw transformative projects at Rollins, including the expansion of the Archibald Granville Bush Science Center and the creation of The Alfond Inn, a hotel whose proceeds fund student scholarships. He also created dramatically grew the curriculum offered at Rollins, creating an entirely new college -- The College of Professional Studies -- to expand applied science offerings for both traditional and non-traditional student learners.

Duncan’s presidency was marked by a strong commitment to community engagement, culminating in the College’s designation as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U and recognition by federal agencies for service learning. He also founded the Winter Park Institute, a distinguished speaker series that enriched intellectual life on campus and in the broader community.

Duncan holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics, as well as a master’s and Ph.D. in space physics, all from Rice University. An internationally recognized expert in space plasma physics and radiophysics, he has remained active in research and teaching throughout his career. He is also known for his work on the societal and ethical implications of emerging technologies and has contributed to national conversations on science policy, educational reform, and international security.

A member of honor societies including Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, Duncan is also an Associated Fellow of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and the recipient of the Alan Berman Research Publication Award from the Naval Research Laboratory. After his time at Rollins, Duncan served as Provost of the U.S. Naval War College, the top civilian academic post at a premier institution for military education.

First Year of Presidency

2004

Lewis Duncan (2004-2014)
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