Clemson University Trustee David E. Dukes ’81 pledges distinguished professorship to the John E. Walker Department of Economics

Clemson University Board of Trustees member David E. Dukes ’81 and his wife Karen Royster Dukes ’82 have made a generous gift that will increase the University’s engaged impact across the state of South Carolina and beyond. They have pledged $500,000 to endow the David E. Dukes ’81 Family Distinguished Professorship in Economics and provide annual faculty support for the Department to begin using immediately.

The Dukes family’s gift helped to complete the “Power of ONE” Challenge from Mark and Janet Mitchell of Jackson, Wyoming, to build faculty support for the John E. Walker Department of Economics. Combined with the match, Trustee Dukes and his wife Karen have provided $1 million in professorship support that will help the department compete with other reputable institutions nationally and internationally.

The Power of ONE challenge was established to recognize the power of Clemson’s faculty — how one chair or one professor can shape the lives of Clemson students. By matching dollar-for-dollar up to $2.5 million, the Power of ONE challenge has raised $5 million for the department.

Through their generosity, David and Karen Dukes have created the David E. Dukes ’81 Family Distinguished Professorship in Economics within the John E. Walker Department of Economics. The Dukes family’s gift helped to complete the ‘Power of ONE’ Challenge, resulting in a total of $1 million, which will continue to elevate our faculty even further. We are incredibly grateful for the Dukes’ commitment to their alma mater and investment in the future of Clemson.

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT JIM CLEMENTS

As a valued member of Clemson University’s Board of Trustees, Dukes knows that educating students is at the core of our University’s mission. Endowed professorships enable Clemson to recruit star faculty who spark scholarship that moves society forward. They serve the purpose of honoring Clemson’s most successful teachers, lending them prestige that puts them on par with their top colleagues internationally.

The John E. Walker Department of Economics and its faculty in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business ensure Clemson students become adept at thinking logically, ultimately preparing them for success in the widest possible variety of occupations. The department’s economics coursework ensures students have a robust foundation for careers in business, law, government and more. Trustee Dukes’ gift ensures that this will continue.

We are excited to be able to support such an important program that will bring even more prestige and recognition to the John E. Walker Department of Economics. The matching gift, through the Power of ONE program, broadens the impact our gift will make. That is a win-win for our family and for Clemson.

TRUSTEE DUKES

Dukes is a partner with Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP, one of the nation’s largest law firms. He served as the Firm’s Managing Partner for over a decade. Dukes has also served as the president of two national lawyer organizations. 

Before his nomination to the Board of Trustees in 2012, Dukes previously served on the University’s Board of Visitors and the President’s Advisory Board. He is a longtime supporter of IPTAY and the Clemson University Foundation.

Dukes earned his Bachelor of Science in financial management from Clemson in 1981, where he served as president of the Interfraternity Council. He also served as a member of the Student Alumni Council, Blue Key Honor Society and Tiger Brotherhood. He later earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1984. Karen Dukes earned her Bachelor of Arts in architecture from Clemson in 1982, and their three children, David, Bailey and Will, also earned degrees from the University.

With a long connection to Clemson and a strong history of leadership, Trustee Dukes continues to cement his Clemson legacy with the creation of the David E. Dukes ’81 Family Distinguished Professorship in Economics. With this endowed professorship, the John E. Walker Department of Economics will be able to recruit the best minds within their field, conduct cutting-edge research and gain talented students ready to explore the world of economics.