David Dodson ‘77 B.A. , ‘81 M.Div., ‘81 M.P.P.M.

The Coffin award is given in honor of William Sloane Coffin, former Chaplain to the University and one of the most significant religious leaders of the last century. The recipient of this award shares Coffin’s prophetic witness and courageous devotion to the dignity of all persons and has made a notable contribution to the work of peace and reconciliation. 

As former president and now senior fellow of MDC, which helps low-wealth communities flourish through education, training, and social mobility, David Dodson has helped vulnerable Americans pursue their economic dreams.

David has created pathways to living-wage jobs for young people, forged local partnerships and multiracial leadership across the South and the nation, and sharpened philanthropy as a tool to combat the upstream causes of social disparities. This is the pragmatic vision of MDC, which is described as a “think tank with muddy boots.”

David saw the urgency of addressing inequity long ago. He joined MDC in Durham, NC, in 1987, having nurtured an ethical vocation as a student at Yale and as a lifelong Episcopalian. 

At Yale, he received a B.A. in architecture and urban policy, an M.Div. in ethics and theology, and a master’s degree in public and private management from the Yale School of Management.

David has spoken around the country about confronting barriers to economic mobility. He is the coauthor of several MDC publications on the use of regional economic competitiveness and strategic philanthropy to fight poverty. 

David’s recent MDC initiatives include the Network for Southern Economic Mobility and a “Made in Durham” public-private partnership focusing on careers for Durham’s young people.

David’s work goes straight to the heart of much that ails our nation, especially its intensified inequality, decline in social trust, and lack of opportunity for many. 

David Dodson is truly a pioneer in the kind of solutions and healing our country needs.