Nina King Officially Introduced as New AD

DURHAM, N.C. – In a historic ceremony at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Friday, May 21st, Duke University President Vincent Price introduced Nina King as Duke’s next Vice President and Director of Athletics.

King will succeed Kevin White, who is retiring after 13 years in the post, on September 1. Among Power 5 institutions, King joins Vanderbilt’s Candice Storey Lee and Virginia’s Carla Williams as Black female directors of athletics.

Price kicked off Friday’s event with opening remarks before introducing King, who is the first woman to hold the position at Duke, to those in attendance that included members of Duke’s athletics staff, invited guests, and media.

“I have often said that Duke’s excellence begins with the extraordinary people that come here to work, to study, conduct research, and serve our neighbors,” said Price. “Nina is just such an extraordinary person. She will continue to foster a community in Duke Athletics that welcomes and supports all its members. I should also note that while Nina did not attend Duke as a student, her husband Rick and her kids have fully indoctrinated her into life as a Blue Devil.”

“I’m often asked, why Duke?” said King during her speech. “For me the answer is simple. Duke is a magical place. The commitment to excellence is unmistakable and most importantly the drive and ambition amongst all the Duke students are inspirational. The people of this community are passionate and dedicated. I am proud that Duke Athletics plays a significant part in making Duke University so special. Duke is a top 10 institution in the country, a top 25 institution in the world, a pinnacle player in higher education?”

Before closing, King made it a point to recognize the historic significance of her appointment.

“I am a female Black athletic director,” said King. “There are only a few of us around the country. We’ve got work to do in our profession to continue to build the pipeline and ensure the deserving people have the opportunities to grow and to lead. One of the biggest reasons I am here today is to be a role model for little girls who look like me and to tell them ‘dream big because your dreams can be achieved.’ But I’m a boy mom and my message is the same to little boys. To children of all races – aspire to achieve greatness, dream big, be passionate because with dedication and hard work anything is possible.”