A national leader in the study of homiletics, Powery has ensured that Duke Chapel continues to be a centerpiece of the community both at Duke and in Durham. Read more in Duke Today.

Promotion or appointment to full professor requires an extensive review and recommendation from faculty peers both inside and outside Duke and approval from academic leadership from the department or division, the school, and Duke University.

The Duke Chronicle has named Professor Powery a Duke leader "for his guidance on matters of race and ethics and his constant spiritual support for the entire university."