The Rev. Cathy Watson, M.Div. ’04, director of Student Life at Duke Divinity School, recently received the 2019 Woman of Strength Award from the Duke University Women’s Center for outstanding strength through her work, community, and education.

The award was created in honor of Stephanie Helms Pickett, the first woman of color to hold the directorship of the 30-year-old Duke Women's Center, and is presented to a woman who through her leadership mentors with guidance, but also with grace and resilience. It is among several awards presented annually by the center to recognize individuals and organizations making an impact on the lives of women and girls at Duke and beyond.

Maggie Thomas, a Duke Divinity second-year student, nominated Watson for the award. Thomas was an intern at the Duke University Women’s Center during the last academic year and will be the co-director of the Duke Divinity School Women’s Center for the 2019-20 academic year.

An ordained minister, Watson joined the Divinity School in 2011. She directs the work of the Office of Student Life in coordinating a variety of events and programs, including student-led panels, guest speakers, community meals, sports events, workshops, brown-bag discussions, and community learning and service. In addition, the office enhances the educational environment through cultivating student leadership and mentoring students.