Dukes family pledges distinguished professorship to the John E. Walker Department of Economics
David E. Dukes ’81 and his wife, Karen Royster Dukes ’82, have made a generous pledge that will increase the University’s engaged impact across the state of South Carolina and beyond. Their $500,000 pledge to endow the David E. Dukes ’81 Family Distinguished Professorship in Economics will provide $1 million in impact through the Power of ONE matching challenge, established by Mark Mitchell ’83 and Janet Mitchell, to build faculty support for the John E. Walker Department of Economics.
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 elite faculty who spark scholarship that moves society forward. They honor Clemson’s most successful teachers, lending them prestige that puts them on par with top colleagues internationally.
Dukes earned his Bachelor of Science in financial management. As a student, he served as president of the Interfraternity Council and as a member of the Student Alumni Council, Blue Key Honor Society and Tiger Brotherhood. Karen Dukes earned her Bachelor of Arts in architecture. Their three children, David ’15, Bailey ’17 and Will ’20, also earned degrees from the University.
“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.”
David E. Dukes
