Wayne Duke

Background

Duke, Wayne was born on November 9, 1928 in Burlington, Iowa, United States. Son of Herald M. and Mildred (Lavine) Duke.

Education

A native of Burlington, Iowa, Wayne Duke graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950.

Career

Early life and education Duke began his career in college athletics publicity at the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Colorado. He joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1952 as assistant to executive director Walter Byers. He was named commissioner of the Big Eight athletic conference in 1963 and served until 1971, when he was named commissioner of the Big Ten athletic conference.

He retired as the Big Ten commissioner in 1989.

A Big Ten scholarship for post-graduate studies is now awarded in his name. 1990: Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Iowa.

Achievements

• Wayne Duke has been listed as a noteworthy college athletics administrator by Marquis Who's Who.

Connections

Married Martha Buesch, June 11, 1950. Children: Dan Wayne, Sarah Jane.

Father:

Herald M. Duke

Mother:

Mildred (Lavine) Duke

Spouse:

Martha Buesch

child:

Sarah Jane Duke

child:

Dan Wayne Duke