Thomas W. Ricks, B.A. 1993
Chief Revenue Officer, Fulcrum (software company) – San Francisco CA
1993 Major: History
How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?
"My history major at Duke was an excellent starting point for my eventual PhD in historical theology. Professionally, any degree from Duke provides a level of instant credibility in the business world that has consistently opened doors."
What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs?
"Too often in contemporary society, people speak of undergraduate education as if it is a kind of trade school - 'A history degree, huh? What are you planning to do with that?' The purpose of a bachelor's degree is not to provide training in a specific field, but to provide a broad education and the ability to think critically/analytically, and there are few majors that serve that purpose better than History. Even within the History discipline, seek to be as broad and varied in your studies as possible."
