Dr. Kreps, an accomplished teacher, author and administrator, has served on numerous state and federal advisory committees, councils and commissions. After graduating from Berea College and receiving M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Duke University, Dr. Kreps joined the Duke University faculty and was named James B. Duke Professor of Economics in 1972. She was named Dean of the Woman’s College, Assistant Provost and Vice President of Duke University. She was the first woman and first economist to hold the post of U.S. Secretary of Commerce, serving under President Jimmy Carter. She was also named a director of the New York Stock Exchange. Her vast experience prompted The Duke Endowment to invite her to join its Board of Trustees in 1979; she served until 2003.