37 Interesting Facts about Duke University

Dan March 8, 2023

Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 1838, the university has grown to become one of the most prestigious and respected institutions of higher learning in the United States. Duke is known for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and commitment to research and innovation. The university is comprised of 10 schools and colleges, including the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, the Pratt School of Engineering, the School of Medicine, and the Fuqua School of Business. With over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled, Duke offers a wide range of academic programs in fields such as the sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, and business.

Duke is also known for its strong commitment to research and innovation, with faculty and students engaged in cutting-edge research across a wide range of fields. The university is home to a number of notable research centers and initiatives, including the Duke Clinical Research Institute, the Duke Global Health Institute, and the Duke Cancer Institute. In addition to its academic and research programs, Duke is also known for its vibrant campus community, which includes a wide range of student clubs and organizations, athletic teams, and cultural events. The university is home to a number of notable traditions and landmarks, including the Duke Chapel, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and the Krzyzewskiville tent city, which is home to Duke’s infamous “Cameron Crazies” during basketball season.

To know more about Duke University, here are 37 interesting facts about Duke University.

1. Duke University was founded in 1838 as Trinity College, and was located in Randolph County, North Carolina.
2. The university was named after James B. Duke, a tobacco magnate who made a large donation to the school in the early 1900s.
3. Duke University is now located in Durham, North Carolina, and has a 9,000-acre campus.
4. Duke University is known for its highly-selective admissions process, and has an acceptance rate of less than 10%.
5. Duke University is home to over 16,000 students, including over 8,000 undergraduate students and over 8,000 graduate and professional students.
6. The mascot of Duke University is the Blue Devil, which was inspired by World War I soldiers who were nicknamed the “Devil Dogs.”
7. Duke University has a strong athletic program, and is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
8. The Duke University Blue Devils have won numerous NCAA championships in sports such as basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.
9. The Duke men’s basketball team has won five NCAA championships, and has been led by legendary coaches such as Mike Krzyzewski.
10. Duke University is known for its beautiful campus, which features Gothic-style buildings, lush gardens, and scenic views of the surrounding area.
11. Duke University is home to the Duke Lemur Center, which is the largest sanctuary for lemurs outside of Madagascar.
12. Duke University is also home to the Duke Forest, which is a 7,000-acre forest reserve that is used for research, education, and recreation.
13. Duke University is known for its strong commitment to research and innovation, and is home to a number of notable research centers and institutes.
14. Duke University is home to the Duke Clinical Research Institute, which is the largest academic research organization in the world.
15. Duke University is also home to the Duke Global Health Institute, which is dedicated to improving health and reducing health disparities around the world.
16. Duke University is home to the Duke Cancer Institute, which is one of the top cancer centers in the United States.
17. Duke University is known for its commitment to sustainability, and has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
18. Duke University has a strong commitment to community service, and encourages students to get involved in local and global service projects.
19. Duke University is home to a number of notable alumni, including former U.S. President Richard Nixon, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and NBA star Kyrie Irving.
20. Duke University is also home to a number of notable faculty members, including Nobel laureates Robert Lefkowitz and Paul Modrich.
21. Duke University is known for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to promote a more inclusive campus community.
22. Duke University is home to the DukeEngage program, which provides students with opportunities to engage in immersive service projects around the world. Duke
23. Duke University is also home to the Duke Interdisciplinary Social Innovators (DISI) program, which is dedicated to fostering social innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
24. Duke University is known for its strong commitment to undergraduate education, and offers a number of unique academic programs and opportunities.
25. Duke University is also known for its strong graduate programs, particularly in fields such as business, law, medicine, and public policy.
26. Duke University is home to the Duke University Hospital, which is one of the top hospitals in the United States.
27. Duke University is known for its strong partnerships with other universities and institutions around the world, and has a number of international programs and initiatives.
28. Duke University is home to the Duke Kunshan University, which is a joint venture between Duke University and Wuhan University in China.
29. Duke University is also home to the Duke-NUS Medical School, which is a collaboration between Duke University and the National University of Singapore.
30. Duke University is known for its strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and education, and encourages students to explore a wide range of academic interests.
31. Duke University is home to the Duke Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative, which provides students with resources and support for starting their own businesses and ventures.
32. Duke University is also home to the Duke Marine Lab, which is a leading center for marine science and conservation research.
33. Duke University is known for its strong commitment to the arts, and has a number of programs and initiatives to support and promote the arts on campus.
34. Duke University is home to the Nasher Museum of Art, which features a wide range of contemporary and modern art exhibitions.
35. Duke University is also home to the American Dance Festival, which is the largest and longest-running dance festival in the United States.
36. Duke University is known for its commitment to service and social justice, and has a number of programs and initiatives to promote civic engagement and activism among students.
37. Duke University is home to the Duke Center for Civic Engagement, which provides students with opportunities to engage in service projects and community-building activities.

Duke University is a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence, world-renowned research programs, and commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and social justice. With a rich history and tradition spanning over 180 years, Duke has built a strong reputation as a leading university that attracts some of the brightest minds from around the world. Its stunning campus, diverse student body, and strong sense of community make it a truly unique and special place. With its unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and solving some of the world’s most pressing problems, Duke University will continue to be a beacon of academic excellence and innovation for generations to come.