Bill Duke

Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Bill Duke worked menial jobs, seven days a week, to cover his living expenses while he earned his A.A. degree from Dutchess Community College. Dr. James Hall, the first president of DCC, gave Duke a personal check to cover room, board and books for his next three years at Boston University, where he had secured an academic scholarship. He was originally enrolled in pre-med, but earned his BA in theatre, going on to study at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts and the American Film Institute. Beginning his career as an actor, he had his directorial debut in 1982, directing Knot's Landing, Falcon Crest and Flamingo Road. In 2008, he founded the Duke Media Foundation, aimed at teaching new media skills to youth.