Durham, NC
Founded in 1838
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Its history dates back to 1838, when it was originally established as Trinity College, before being renamed Duke University in 1924 to honor James Buchanan Duke, an American tobacco magnate who donated millions of dollars to establish the Duke Endowment.
Duke University is ranked as the 7th wealthiest private university in the U.S., with research expenditures also ranking 7th nationwide. The campus is divided into four main areas: West Campus, East Campus, Central Campus, and the Medical Center. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, established in the 1930s and covering 55 acres, is one of the main attractions on campus.
Duke University consists of 10 schools, including the Fuqua School of Business, Pratt School of Engineering, School of Law, School of Medicine, Sanford School of Public Policy, and School of Nursing.
One of the most prestigious programs at Duke is the Robertson Scholars Program, which provides financial support for students and offers them the opportunity to spend one semester at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Duke athletic teams, known as the "Blue Devils," are among the most recognized in American college sports, particularly in basketball, where they are consistently ranked among the top teams. The name "Blue Devils" comes from the French elite military unit during World War I. Their biggest rivalry is with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's "Tar Heels," and their games are an annual highlight for college basketball fans.
Duke has produced many prominent entrepreneurs, including Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; Karl von der Heyden, former CEO of PepsiCo; and David S. Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble.