Duke University's Board of Trustees on March 2, 2026 reappointed President Vincent E. Price to a third five-year term that will begin on July 1, 2027. The move follows a scheduled administrative review of his leadership at the university and its health system.
Trustees Back Price After Committee Review
Board chair Adam Silver announced the decision after a review committee, led by Trustee Patty Morton, gathered input from trustees, faculty, administrators, students, alumni and external partners, according to Duke Today. The panel also invited the broader Duke community to weigh in as part of its assessment.
“President Price is a thoughtful and experienced leader whose vision for Duke is grounded in a deep commitment to the institution’s mission, people and values,” Silver said, as reported by Duke Today. Trustees pointed to recent wins in fundraising, athletics and campus culture in explaining why they opted to extend his tenure.
Price’s Record and Priorities
Price has led Duke since 2017 and has emphasized strategies to empower faculty and students, transform teaching and learning, and strengthen community ties, per the Office of the President. Under his leadership the university has advanced a major science and technology effort and a campus climate commitment that are central to its long-range strategy, as described by Duke Science & Technology.
Campus Reaction: Pay Cuts and Layoff Debate
The reappointment lands amid campus tension over cost-cutting moves. Last year, student and community groups pressed Price and other top administrators to take voluntary pay cuts after the university introduced incentive and layoff programs, as reported by The Duke Chronicle. Those debates remain an active point of discussion among campus stakeholders.
What To Watch Next
Price’s third term will begin on July 1, 2027, and trustees say they expect him to steward the university's major fundraising campaign along with its research push. The university’s MADE FOR THIS campaign and the Duke Science & Technology initiative frame ambitions around science, climate and the student experience that will shape how Duke seeks gifts and community partnerships in the coming years, according to MADE FOR THIS: The Campaign for Duke.
Price also serves on national higher education bodies and on boards connected to Duke’s health and research work, roles the Office of the President lists among his responsibilities. As the university heads into a new fundraising cycle amid continuing budget pressures, faculty, staff, students and community members will be watching how trustees and the president balance investment priorities with concerns from employees and neighbors.
