Angel Collie - Trailblazer

In the article "Angel Collie," part of Duke University's centennial celebration series, we learn about Collie's journey from experiencing early-life homophobia in rural Eastern North Carolina to becoming a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals. After being expelled from his Baptist church upon coming out, Collie pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in religious studies with minors in women's and sexuality studies from UNC-Chapel Hill, a master of divinity from Yale Divinity School, and a doctor of ministry from Duke Divinity School. Initially aspiring to serve in an LGBTQIA+ affirming church, Collie instead became the director of Duke's Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) in 2022, following his tenure as assistant director since 2016. In this role, he has transformed the center into a welcoming space that not only supports students but also educates the broader Duke community on LGBTQIA+ issues. Notably, Collie introduced the Queer and Trans Leadership Series, aiming to reframe leadership through a queer and trans lens by leveraging the resilience and strength inherent in LGBTQIA+ identities to drive positive change. Additionally, under his guidance, the Pursuing Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (PRIDE) training program successfully trained 832 individuals in the past academic year. Collie's overarching mission is to create an environment where LGBTQIA+ students feel cared for and have their needs met.