New leadership is rising at Whitney M. Young Jr. Job Corps Center. The center has named Nicholas Duvall as new director, effective July 5.

Before serving as center director, Duvall was Whitney’s social development director, overseeing its dormitories and recreational programs. Duvall has also served as acting center director, running the campus when previous directors were absent.

Duvall has more than seven years of experience with Job Corps and has worked with other youth programs such as the YMCA for seven more years. “That is a passion of mine, working with youth,” he said. “I just want to continue to make a positive impact on our young adults.”

So, what is Duvall going to do as director? He already feels that one of the best things he can do is keep the strong foundation he inherits in place. “One will be maintaining a great culture here on center,” he said. “When I say great culture, that’s with staff and students…we get that positive culture with the staff, it just trickle[s] down to the students.”