Timothy R. Duke was born  in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1951 and raised in there until leaving for college.  Mr. Duke's parents instilled in him a work ethic for success starting with paper routes at age twelve to working in restaurants and other jobs while going to school.  He worked in the Pittsburgh steel mills, at a pharmacy, as a janitor and at United Parcel Service forty hours a week while attending Penn State University where he graduated with honors.

Attending night classes, he received an MBA from Duquesne University as an honor graduate.  Mr. Duke worked for Fortune 500 companies, being transferred around every few years.  He later earned a number of certificates.  He is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Management Accountant and a Certified Computer Professional.

Mr. Duke came to Steel of West Virginia as controller in 1987.  He worked his way up the ladder to vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.  He moved up to chief operating officer and in 1997 became president, chief executive officer and treasurer.

He states that Steel of West Virginia was a growing company at the time he came here and Marshall University provided a great platform on which to build.  Mr. Duke has served as advisor to the Marshall University Lewis College of Business and the Accounting Club.  Mr. Duke has been a guest speaker in many Marshall University classes and has given numerous presentations.

Since 1987, Steel of West Virginia has provided an internship program with Marshall University.  Mr. Duke states that it has been a great, great experience.  Steel of West Virginia has given students a wonderful work experience while working for the company.

Mr. Duke has been married to his wife Julie for thirty-one years and they have two sons of whom they are very proud.