Bev Sylvester, B.A. 1998
VP of Marketing and Communications, Unifi – Greensboro, NC
1998 Major: History and French; certificate in Markets & Management Studies
How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?
"First and foremost, I love 20th century history. I absolutely loved my classes at Duke and continue to pursue my interest in history through reading. Beyond the enjoyment I took in my classes, I became a much better writer and analytical thinker. I also participated in the senior honors thesis program which, while challenging, was also incredibly rewarding. I’ve worked in the fashion industry for over twenty years which seems completely different, but my ability to write and craft a strong narrative has been vital to my success."
What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs?
"Don't limit yourself. The skills you learn in the history program can be applied to so many different fields. I have friends from the history program who went on to PhD programs but also friends who are lawyers, friends in government and NGOs and those like me who work in the corporate world."
