Formed in 1969, the Graduate School of Business Administration enrolled its first class of 20 students in 1970.[6] In 1974, Thomas F. Keller, a 1953 Duke graduate, became the graduate school's new dean. In three years, Keller's capital campaign raised $24 million, $10 million of which came from businessman and philanthropist J. B. Fuqua. The graduate school's name was then changed to the Fuqua School of Business.[7]
J. B. Fuqua was raised by his grandparents on a tobacco farm in Prince Edward County, Virginia. Fuqua began his relationship with Duke University when he borrowed books by mail from the Duke library. J. B. Fuqua's cumulative giving to Duke was nearly $40 million at the time of his death on April 5, 2006.[8]
For the daytime MBA class of 2026, Fuqua had a 19.5% acceptance rate with 3,808 applications received. Approximately 55% of those accepted into the MBA program enrolled to fill a class of 399. The median GMAT score was 720.[9] Fuqua reports an 80% GMAT range of 680–760, with 41% international and 51% female students.[9]
The Duke MBA offers several dual degree programs in conjunction with other graduate and professional programs at Duke. These programs allow students to earn two degrees in less time than if they pursued the two separately. Dual degrees are offered with Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University School of Law, Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Sanford School of Public Policy, and the Duke University School of Nursing.[12][13][14]
Poets&Quants 2024 ranking of MBA compensation indicated that Fuqua ranked 10th in the US for average starting pay (salary and bonus) at a total of $193,557. Additionally, Fuqua's MBA program ranked 8th in the US for the percentage of students who had jobs 3 months after graduating.[15]
The Fuqua/Coach K Center of Leadership & Ethics (COLE) – COLE was established as a collaboration between Fuqua, Duke Athletics and The Kenan Institute for Ethics to advance leadership through research and education.[17][18][19]
Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) – The center promotes innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to improving social conditions through education and research.[20][21][22]
Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) – Fuqua created this center to advance scholarship in the areas of entrepreneurship and innovation, with the goal of creating one of the top environments for students interested in entrepreneurship.[23][24][25]
Center for Energy, Development and the Global Environment (EDGE) – EDGE pursues education, research, and outreach focusing on two primary topical areas: Global Energy and Corporate Sustainability.[26][27][28]
Center of Health Sector Management - This center aims to improve healthcare services.[29]
Fuqua School of Business spans several buildings.[30] They include:
Thomas F. Keller Center has several classrooms and support offices and was named for former Dean Thomas F. Keller.
Wesley Alexander Magat Academic Center was built in 1999. The majority of faculty offices and smaller meeting rooms are located here.
Lafe P. and Rita D. Fox Student Center has a student lounge, dining facilities, student communications center, and additional office space.
Breeden Hall was named in honor of Dean Douglas Breeden and his wife Josie. It was built in 2008 and holds classrooms and auditoriums, the Ford Library, team rooms, meeting space, and MBA admissions and operations offices.
JB Duke Hotel opened in 2017 and includes the R. David Thomas Executive Conference Center, and guest rooms and suites.