Tue May 06 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Duke University’s 2021-22 Academic Year: A Year of Change and Triumph
**Durham, NC** – The 2021-22 academic year at Duke University was a whirlwind of change, marked by both triumph and tragedy. The year saw a near-return to normalcy after the pandemic, a revamped housing system, and a memorable men’s basketball season culminating in a West Regional Championship.
The year began with excitement, quickly tempered by a COVID-19 outbreak forcing a temporary return to online classes. Student life adapted to new safety protocols, though recruitment for student groups faced challenges. A significant change was the announcement of QuadEx, a new residential system aimed at fostering stronger community bonds, which received mixed student reactions. The Class of 2020 finally held a belated commencement ceremony.
Major leadership changes shook Duke Athletics. Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement announcement was a major headline, with Jon Scheyer taking the helm. Nina King replaced Kevin White as athletic director, and David Cutcliffe stepped down as football coach, making way for Mike Elko. These changes were mirrored elsewhere, with protests over changes to the Thompson Writing Program and the successful unionization of the Duke University Press Workers Union.
Positive developments included a significant endowment return, an $11 million donation, and a minimum wage increase for employees. However, the year also saw its share of challenges: incidents of theft and vandalism in campus dorms, a threat from a former student, and a lawsuit alleging antitrust violations. The Duke community mourned the loss of several prominent faculty members and students. The Russian invasion of Ukraine deeply impacted Ukrainian and Russian students at Duke.
On the athletic front, while the women’s basketball team missed the NCAA tournament, the women’s tennis team won the ACC championship. The men’s basketball team, led by Coach K in his final season, captured the ACC regular season title and the West Regional Championship, thrilling fans before ultimately falling short in the Final Four.
The year concluded with student elections, an in-person last day of classes celebration, and the departures of key administrators Kyle Cavanaugh and Valerie Ashby to new positions. The 2021-22 academic year at Duke stands as a testament to the university’s resilience and its ability to navigate challenges while celebrating significant achievements.
First Piper 