Duke University, a name synonymous with academic excellence and innovation, traces its origins back to 1838. But the name itself begs a question: What Is A Duke, and how did this title become associated with a leading American university? Understanding the history of Duke University requires delving into its transformation from a humble schoolhouse to a world-renowned institution, a journey intrinsically linked to the philanthropic legacy of the Duke family.
The story begins with Union Institute Academy, a small preparatory school for young men established in Randolph County, North Carolina. Founded in 1838, it laid the groundwork for what would become a significant educational powerhouse. In 1851, the institution was chartered by the state as Normal College, signifying its evolution into a teaching college. Another pivotal change occurred in 1859 when, seeking financial stability, the school partnered with the Methodist Church. This new alliance was reflected in a name change to Trinity College.
An aerial photograph taken circa 1920s, showcasing the expansive grounds of Duke University’s East Campus, then known as the Trinity College site.
Braxton Craven played a crucial role in the institution’s early development, serving as principal and then president from 1842 to 1882. He guided Trinity College through its formative years, witnessing its growth from a small schoolhouse into a recognized college. However, it’s important to acknowledge a darker aspect of this history. Like many institutions of the time, Trinity College and its leaders were entangled with the practice of slavery. Braxton Craven himself enslaved Black people before the Civil War, a fact that casts a shadow on the institution’s early history and reminds us of the complex and often troubling context of American higher education in the 19th century. Adding to this complex history, shortly before his death, Craven was involved in establishing the Cherokee Industrial School at Trinity College. These schools, prevalent in the US, aimed to assimilate indigenous students into Western culture, in this case targeting boys and young men from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee. The Cherokee Industrial School at Trinity College was short-lived, but it represents another layer in the intricate history of the institution and its relationship with diverse communities.
A forward-thinking leader, President John F. Crowell, who served from 1887 to 1894, recognized the potential advantages of relocating Trinity College to an urban center. He believed that a city location would attract a larger student body, more distinguished faculty, and increased financial support. His vision resonated with the trustees, and after considering several locations, Durham, North Carolina, was chosen as the new home for Trinity College. The move in 1892 was facilitated by the generosity of local tobacco industry figures Washington Duke and Julian S. Carr, who provided land and financial contributions. In 1897, responding to Washington Duke’s request, Trinity College made a progressive step by admitting women as regular students, becoming an early co-educational institution. Julian S. Carr’s contributions were recognized with a building named in his honor in 1930. However, in 2018, reflecting evolving societal values and a reassessment of historical figures, Carr’s name was removed from the building due to his well-documented white supremacist beliefs and actions.
A historical portrait of Washington Duke, a key benefactor whose name and legacy are intertwined with the transformation of Trinity College into Duke University.
Trinity College flourished in Durham, and in 1924, it underwent its most transformative change yet, again fueled by philanthropy. James Buchanan Duke, Washington Duke’s son, established The Duke Endowment, a charitable foundation that significantly boosted the college’s resources. In a momentous decision, the trustees renamed Trinity College to Duke University, as a memorial to James B. Duke’s father, Washington Duke. This name change directly connects the university to the Duke family, and by extension, prompts the question, what is a duke in the context of this institution’s identity? While Washington Duke himself was not a duke in the aristocratic sense, the name “Duke” carried connotations of leadership, prominence, and legacy, qualities that James B. Duke sought to associate with his father’s memory and the newly envisioned university.
The Duke Endowment’s funds enabled the construction of a new, grand campus, designed in the Gothic style by the Philadelphia architectural firm of Horace Trumbauer. Julian Abele, a Black architect, served as the chief designer for West Campus and the reimagined East Campus. Despite his pivotal role in shaping Duke University’s iconic architecture, Abele’s contributions were largely unacknowledged during his lifetime. In a move to rectify this historical oversight, the main quad on West Campus was renamed Abele Quad in 2016, finally recognizing his significant impact.
President William P. Few (1910-1940) guided the university through this period of dramatic growth, overseeing its metamorphosis from a small college into a complex university. In 1930, the original Trinity College site became East Campus, designated as the Woman’s College, while the newly built West Campus became the domain of the all-male Trinity College. In 1972, reflecting changing social norms and a move towards integration, Trinity College merged both colleges, creating the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences as it is known today. The university continued to expand its academic offerings, establishing the School of Religion and Graduate School in 1926, the School of Medicine and hospital in 1930, and the School of Nursing in 1931. The Law School, initially founded in 1904, was reorganized in 1930. Further expansion included the Nicholas School of the Environment (originally opened in 1938) and the Pratt School of Engineering (formed in 1939). The Fuqua School of Business, fulfilling James B. Duke’s vision for a comprehensive university, opened in 1969. The Sanford School of Public Policy became Duke’s tenth school in 2005, named after President Terry Sanford, former governor of North Carolina, who played a key role in enhancing Duke’s reputation in the 1970s and 1980s.
Duke University’s history is also marked by its journey towards inclusivity. For a significant part of its history, Duke was a segregated institution. It took until 1961 for Duke to admit Black graduate and professional students, and 1963 for Black undergraduates to be admitted. The Civil Rights Movement and student activism played a crucial role in prompting change. In 1968, a major student protest known as the Vigil demanded better pay and treatment for hourly workers, many of whom were Black. In 1969, Black students staged the Allen Building Takeover, demanding improved conditions and services for Black students. This pivotal protest led to the establishment of what is now the Department of African and African American Studies, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive academic environment.
A photograph from 1969 capturing the Allen Building Takeover, a pivotal moment in Duke University’s history that highlighted student activism and the demand for racial equality and inclusion.
Duke University’s faculty has consistently contributed significantly to diverse fields of knowledge. The university boasts two Nobel Prize laureates in Chemistry: Professor Robert Lefkowitz (2012) and Professor Paul Modrich (2015). Duke researchers have been at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, including mapping the human chromosome and leading research in HIV and AIDS treatment. Duke faculty also engage in critical social issues, producing impactful scholarship on topics like election districting and public health. The faculty’s literary contributions are equally noteworthy, with authors winning prestigious awards like the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Fifty Duke faculty members are fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence. Duke emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with numerous opportunities to collaborate with leading faculty in research labs and projects.
Athletics is another area where Duke University has achieved considerable recognition. The men’s basketball team, under the legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski since 1980, is perhaps the most famous, with 5 national championships. The women’s golf team holds the university record with 7 national championships. Duke football has a long history, dating back to the 1880s, with early coaching by President Crowell himself. The “Iron Dukes” of the 1930s and 1940s achieved significant success, including participation in the Rose Bowl game of 1942, which, due to wartime concerns, was uniquely played in Durham, remaining the only Rose Bowl game held outside of Pasadena, California.
Duke University’s global reach has expanded significantly in recent decades. International programs have attracted students from around the world to Durham and broadened opportunities for Duke students abroad. In 2005, Duke partnered with the National University of Singapore to establish the Duke-NUS Medical School. In 2014, Duke Kunshan University (DKU), a partnership with Wuhan University in Kunshan, China, began offering graduate programs, followed by undergraduate programs in 2018, further solidifying Duke’s international presence.
Duke University continues to evolve, grappling with issues of racism, sexism, and equity, like many historically white institutions. Today, students of color and international students comprise over 50% of the student body, reflecting a more diverse and global community. Durham, Duke’s home city, has also transformed, and the university and city collaborate on various initiatives, from community service to downtown development.
In conclusion, Duke University’s journey from a small academy to a global university is a testament to its adaptability, commitment to excellence, and the enduring impact of the Duke family’s philanthropy. While what is a duke in the traditional sense refers to a noble title, in the context of Duke University, it represents a legacy of vision, generosity, and a pursuit of knowledge. Duke University continues to strive towards its founding aims: “to foster a lively relationship between knowledge and faith; to advance learning in all lines of truth; to defend scholarship against all false notions and ideals; to develop a love of freedom and truth; to promote a respectful spirit of dialogue and understanding; to discourage all partisan and sectarian strife; and to further the advancement of knowledge in service to society.”
For further exploration of Duke history, the University Archives in the David M. Rubenstein Library offers valuable resources: /rubenstein/uarchives.
Updated September 21, 2020
