Stephen Coss, B.A. 1991

Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Sonic Automotive, Inc.

1991 Major: History

How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"Majoring in History at Duke during my undergraduate studies helped me to cultivate a passion for history that remains with me today more than 31 years later. It also helped me to sharpen my analytical and writing skills that have served me well through Law School at the University of Virginia (J.D., 1994) and my subsequent 28+ years as a practicing attorney. While my chosen profession was not directly related to majoring in History, I have continued to explore the subject during my entire adult life, and especially in relation to foreign travel."

What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs? 

"Life is short, pursue things in which you have a passionate interest."

Stephen Coss