Shelley L. Duke

Shelley Duke is the owner and managing partner of Rallywood Farm — an exceptional equestrian facility located in Middleburg, Virginia.

Duke has spent many years working towards the betterment of equine health care and veterinary programs. She has served as chair of the council for the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center since 1999 and established the center’s highly successful volunteer program.

She was named the first recipient of the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center’s Distinguished Service Award. The accolade was established to recognize individuals who have generously and tirelessly provided leadership and expertise to help the equine medical center attain a higher-level of achievement in service, teaching, and research.

In addition to serving two terms on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, Duke has also served on the Virginia Tech Foundation Board of Directors, the National Campaign Steering Committee for the university’s past fundraising campaign, the Women in Leadership and Philanthropy Council, the Middleburg Agricultural Research Extension Center Board, the Olivio Ferrari Foundation Board of Directors, and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council. She was previously the president of the board of directors of the University of California, San Francisco, and a board member of both the San Francisco Suicide Prevention group and the Bay Area United Way.

Duke was the 2013 recipient of the William H. Ruffner Medal — Virginia Tech’s highest honor — for the substantial difference she has made to the university through her volunteer service and support.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, and was named an honorary alumna of Virginia Tech by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association in 2005 — a distinction given to less than 15 people.