Staff
Director
Fr. Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.
Fr. Michael Martin, O.F.M. Conv was named Director of the Duke Catholic Center in August 2010 by Bishop Michael Burbidge, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, NC. Since 2001 Fr. Mike served as President of his high school alma mater, Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, MD. In his role as President, Fr. Mike was the catalyst for transformational growth in all facets of school leadership, advancement, enrollment, finances, personnel and facility planning. A lifelong educator, Fr. Mike was Principal of Archbishop Curley prior to being his tenure as President. He holds a S.T.B. degree in Theology from the Pontifical Theological Faculty at St. Bonaventure-The Seraphicum in Rome, Italy, a M.Ed. in Catholic Education Administration from Boston College, as well as his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy frlom St. Hyacinth College-Seminary, Granby, Massachusetts. As a member of the Conventual Franciscan Friars, he has held a variety of teaching, coaching and administrative positions since his ordination in 1989 including an adjunct faculty position at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He has served on a number of boards and commissions and is a highlighted presenter on strategic issues facing Catholic schools today and the important role of advancement in sustaining the mission of Catholic education. In 2007 he received the Pro Eccelsia et Pontifice medal for service to the Church from Pope Benedict XVI.
Campus Minister for Faith Formation
(919) 680-2521
Catherine Preston serves as the Campus Minister for Faith Development at the Duke Catholic Center. Catherine graduated from Duke in 2001 with a degree in Psychology. As an undergraduate, she swam for Duke and was active in the Catholic Student Center. She served for two years after graduation as our first Peer Ministry Coordinator. She then earned a Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. For the last two years she worked as Youth Minister at a parish in Florida. She is enjoying working with Duke students again.
Development Director
Michelle Barreto
(919) 668-1472
Michelle Barreto serves as the Director of Development for the Duke Catholic Center. Michelle graduated from Duke in December 2011 with a degree in Political Science. During her time at Duke, she was a Resident Assistant and successfully founded an international debate society, The Alexander Hamilton Society. She was also very involved in the Duke Catholic Center as a Student Director where she oversaw the freshman outreach program and weekly Eucharistic Adoration.
Peer Ministry Coordinator
Emma Miller is the new Peer Ministry Coordinator at the Duke Catholic Center for the 2012-2013 academic year. Emma graduated from Duke in 2011 with a degree in Psychology. As an undergrad, she enjoyed playing club and intramural soccer and was an active leader within the Duke Catholic Center. Emma is from Salisbury, N.C., and loves running, traveling, and Latin dancing. She hopes to spend some time abroad after her year with the Catholic Center, volunteering with the Peace Corps in South America.
Music Director
Andrew Witchger
Andrew Witchger serves as the director of Music for the Duke Catholic Center. Andrew has been a Liturgist and Music Director in parishes for over 20 years and is excited to bring his experience and enthusiasm for Liturgy to Duke. Andrew also spent 10 years touring the world as a musician with his wife and four children and hopes to bring concert outreach to the Duke Catholic Center.
Business Manager
Ruth Anne Kennedy
(919) 684-3354
Ruth Anne Kennedy joined the Duke Catholic Center in December 2011. She relocated to Durham from Stillwater, Oklahoma. Ruth Anne was previously the Executive Vice-President for the Stillwater Board of REALTORS, a local non-profit trade association and has several years experience in administrative roles and has served in public office. She and her husband have two sons and three grandchildren. Ruth Anne stated “I look forward everyday to working with the students at Duke as we all nurture our faith. As a convert to the church, I am as young in my faith as the students are and know we will all be able to continue to grow and nourish our faith together.”