The DCCE, created by the Office of the Provost in 2007, embodies Duke University’s commitment to make the world better through collaborative civic participation. The Center is dedicated to a core mission of Duke: “Knowledge in the Service of Society” elaborated in Duke’s strategic plan Making a Difference.   

In 2010, following a study by a committee of Duke faculty, staff and students, the Provost and the Dean & Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education appointed the first Faculty Director for the DCCE in a reorganization of the Center.http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2010/02/dcceresponse.html  

A significant milestone in this new phase was achieved in Fall 2010 when the DCCE created, in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Education, a web portal for civic engagement across Duke.