May 16, 2003

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University President Nannerl O. Keohane Friday issued the following statement regarding the proposed expansion of the Atlantic Coast Conference, of which Duke is a member:

"Duke voted today in support of entering into formal discussions with Boston College, the University of Miami and Syracuse University in pursuing possible expansion of the ACC.

We were not in favor of expansion. But since the decision to expand has now been made, we decided that we wish to be part of framing the outcome and to join with our partners in the conference in making this step as positive as possible for everyone involved.

Most of the comments in the press have been about the financial implications for the conference, and about football. It is important that we not lose sight of other factors that will be material to the outcome, as well. We have been persuaded that there are ways to frame the expansion that will protect the special qualities of ACC basketball, and can advance the interests of several of our Olympic sports. We are also intrigued by a number of possibilities for deepened collaboration in several academic programs offered by our potential new partners.

We are committed to making sure that issues of student-athlete welfare, in terms of travel time and other impacts, are on the table as we work out the details of this possible expansion. And we will want to work very carefully to craft divisional arrangements that will allow this to play out in ways that are advantageous for all of us."