Nina King begins reign at Duke with message of empowerment, inclusion

Friday morning marked the beginning of the Nina King reign over Duke University athletics. The university held a press conference to officially present King to the sports community as vice president and director of athletics. The event is historic, and makes King the first woman to hold the position at the university and only the third Black woman to ever hold the position at a Power Five school. King, however, is no stranger to Duke athletics. She previously served as senior deputy athletics director overseeing the university's football and women's basketball programs.

King steps into the spot to replace Kevin White, who plans to depart in August. White piloted the athletic department's efforts since 2008.

King is a graduate of the ACC's most recent additions - the University of Notre Dame - where she worked as director of rules education from 2005-08.

King will officially assume her role as Director of Athletics beginning Sept. 1. Until then, she will continue the process of transitioning from her role of senior deputy athletic director for administration and legal affairs and chief of staff.