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Professor David Bell Honored by Ordre des Palmes Academiques

Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Graduate School and Professor of French David Bell has been honored by the French government with membership in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, a French honorary society that recognizes academics and educators for their contributions to the teaching and dissemination of French language and culture.

The Ordre des Palmes Académiques is one of the world’s oldest civil awards; it was originally created by Napoleon to pay tribute to the leading scholars at the University of Paris.

As the fifth current or emeritus faculty member of the Department of Romance Studies to receive the prestigious honor, Bell’s selection attests to the department’s continuing international stature. The other members of the order include emeriti professors Philip Stewart, Jean-Jacques Thomas and Alice Kaplan, and Professor Michèle Longino, the current department chair.

“It is extremely rewarding to be recognized by the French government for my contributions as a researcher and teacher of French,” Bell said. “And it is all the more gratifying to join my Duke colleagues who have received the award.”