Trinity in Four Acts: Tobias Williams
As their first year at Duke winds down, we’re checking in with our Trinity undergrads to see how they navigated the challenges of campus life, coursework and newfound independence. Four common themes emerged across their individual experiences — balance, adjustment, connections and growth — shaping a year defined by new beginnings and meaningful discoveries.
Beginnings and Discoveries: Spring Semester
May 19, 2025
“My expectation when coming to a school like Duke as a student-athlete was that I would only be friends with people on my team and be looked at differently by the rest of the student body,” he says. “I find that to be the opposite of what has happened.”
When Tobias Williams first decided to come to Duke, the student-athlete wasn’t sure how he’d fit in. Coming from Minnesota to a high-powered academic environment with a strong sports culture, he expected his world to revolve around teammates and training.
“My expectation when coming to a school like Duke as a student-athlete was that I would only be friends with people on my team and be looked at differently by the rest of the student body,” he says. “I find that to be the opposite of what has happened.”
Instead, he found friends everywhere he looked, not just on the track team. “I have met so many good people that don't play sports and many of my best friends at Duke are people that don't play sports.”
Williams’ experience shows how Duke’s environment encourages connection across disciplines, identities and interests. It’s a place where friendships form in the classroom, on the quad, or even during a rare Southern snowfall, one of his favorite memories from his first year.
“In a way, it brought me back to Minnesota,” he said. “I don't want to say I miss the Minnesota weather, but it was really nice to experience some snow without the negative temperatures.”
So far, Tobias is still planning on majoring in Economics. “My major, my summer plans and even what I want to do post-grad has stayed relatively the same, which I think is pretty rare among Duke students,” he said.
This summer, Williams’ will be home in Minnesota, working at Dick’s Sporting Goods, training for track and field and spending time with friends, family and pets.
“For the last two weeks of summer, I’ll be going up to a summer camp that I've been going to since I was little and working as a counselor, which is always a great time,” he said.
He’s also looking forward to being an orientation leader for Project Edge. “I’ll be welcoming in the new class of first-years and helping them move in, and showing them around campus to get them situated before classes start.”
Track team members Tobias Williams and Drew Smith pose with a teammate.
Beginnings and Discoveries: Fall Semester
December 17, 2024
"There's so much to explore here, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store."
Leaving behind his predominantly white high school in Minnesota, first-year Tobias Williams is finding himself immersed in a new world. Drawn primarily to Duke’s rigorous academics and track team, the move to Durham from the Midwest also brought a benefit he wasn’t expecting.
“The diversity was the first thing I noticed,” he said. “As a Black man who grew up in a majority white suburb, it was a shock — in a good way – to see so many people who looked like me.”
Academically, Williams is tackling a challenging course load, majoring in Economics while minoring in African & African American Studies. The task is demanding, but he appreciates the supportive environment Duke provides.
Outside the classroom, Williams is a member of the Duke track team. The grueling schedule and daily practice keep him busy, but he's excited to compete at the collegiate level. "Track is going to be a big part of my experience here, both in regard to competition and socially,” he says.
He’s also eagerly anticipating basketball game days. "I'm really excited for basketball season," he says. "It's going to be a blast."
From the stadium to the classroom, Williams remains focused on making the most of his Duke experience and embracing the opportunities that come with this new chapter. "There's so much to explore here," he said. "I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store."
Cameron Indoor Stadium turns blue with Duke pride.
In addition to his coursework, Tobias keeps busy competing on Duke's track team and supporting Duke athletics.
In his first semester at Duke, Tobias has enjoyed exploring Duke's campus and opportunities.
