[1] In 1891 he graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Trinity College of Randolph County, which was later known as Duke University.
Durham later worried that the increasing financial instability was serious enough to hinder a career in engineering, after which he studied law at Trinity College.
[1][2] In 1909 he ended his law practice and went to teaching, firstly at Davenport Female College in Lenoir, North Carolina, where he was dean and taught mathematics, and then at Centenary College-Conservatory located in Cleveland, Tennessee.
[3] In 1919 Durham bought a half-interest in a girls' school called Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Virginia.
During his tenure, first as principal and later as president, Durham aimed to strengthen the school's academic program and develop the mental, social, physical, and spiritual lives of students.
Durham expanded the facilities of the school to include a gymnasium, modern classroom infrastructure which was now having chemistry and laboratories, and Chandler Hall with a library and an auditorium.
In his book, he wrote about the amalgamation of white people and African Americans and warned against racial mixing, claiming that it threatened the downfall of the country.
[1][2] Durham thought that the idea of holding the office of State Senator was attractive, but he could not find agreement with his party over every issue.
[2] In 1996, a group consisting mostly of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought Southern Seminary following its loss of accreditation.