Prospective Students from the Carolinas Welcomed at Open House

The event spotlights academic opportunities for local families

People sitting in the Chapel
The open house audience is serenaded by The Pitchforks, a singing group.

Duke University recently opened its doors to prospective students from North and South Carolina for Open House for Students from the Carolinas, a day designed to spotlight academic opportunities, campus life, and Duke’s commitment to accessibility for local families.

The heart of the day, on Sept. 13, came through the words of Ben Childress, student speaker and senior majoring in biology and global health, who addressed the audience with a student’s perspective on what it means to grow up in the Carolinas and find a second home at Duke.

“When I was in your shoes, I honestly wanted to get out of North Carolina and experience something new,” Childress said. “Yet, throughout my time at Duke, I quickly grew to appreciate the accessible distance Duke offered — being close enough to home for family support, while also gaining the chance to explore the world.”

Since arriving at Duke in 2022, Childress has studied abroad in Spain and Italy, traveled to more than 15 countries, and built friendships with peers from across the globe. Still, he underscored the importance of carrying Carolina roots with him along the way.

“The university has become my second home … The Carolinas are also my home, and I have enjoyed sharing this home with my friends at Duke, from introducing them to the Appalachian Mountains to teaching them the word ‘y’all.”

Ben Childress, Senior

“As I think about where I grew up and also look back on the years I’ve spent at Duke, I’ve realized the university has become my second home … The Carolinas are also my home, and I have enjoyed sharing this home with my friends at Duke, from introducing them to the Appalachian Mountains to teaching them the word ‘y’all.’”

Ben Childress

The day’s programming began with campus tours, a welcome at Duke Chapel, and academic sessions in the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering. Attendees also explored the First-Year Experience Resource Fair, where they met representatives from Duke Arts, ROTC, Undergraduate Research, and other programs that enrich student life. Afternoon highlights included a presentation on QuadEx, Duke’s unique residential living model, followed by dedicated sessions on Admissions and Financial Aid, including the university’s Initiative for Students from the Carolinas.

Interim Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Kathy Phillips emphasized Duke’s enduring relationship with the Carolinas and its commitment to students from the region:

“Duke is deeply committed to ensuring that students from the Carolinas see themselves and their potential reflected here,” said Phillips. “By bringing together local students and families on our campus, we are not only highlighting the breadth of opportunities available at Duke but also reaffirming our role as a university rooted in this region.”

For many families, the open house offered not only a first glimpse at Duke’s campus but also a chance to see how the university partners with the Carolinas to create access, opportunity, and belonging.

To explore Duke’s affordability commitment, visit the Initiative for Students from the Carolinas.