Duke hires first Muslim chaplain

Duke will be joining a very small group of universities across the country-including Georgetown University, Princeton University and Yale University-that have full-time imams.

When he begins work July 1, Antepli will be taking on a number of tasks that include religious leadership, counseling and faith-based work.

He will not, however, be limited to mentoring only the Muslim community. Antepli will also teach courses in the Fall, and he said he expects to reach out to all students and promote collaboration between the Muslim community and other groups.

"One of the things I love most about Duke, which attracted me to this University, is its diversity," he said. "My ministry will tap into the diversity here at Duke, not just the Muslim community."