A native of
Oakland, California, and a first-generation college student, Dubois earned his
bachelor's degree in
political science in 1972 from the
University of California, Davis. He graduated
summa cum laude. He then went on to earn his
master's (1974) and
doctoral (1978) degree in political science from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison. He started his career in academics as an assistant professor at UC Davis, and held various administrative positions there. In 1991, he was recruited by
UNC Charlotte to become
provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. Under his leadership, he helped establish the first doctoral programs at UNC Charlotte. In 1997, Dubois was appointed as president of the
University of Wyoming. During that time, he helped Wyoming's only university implement more academic and support services. He was succeeded by Tom Buchanan. In 2005, Dubois was named chancellor of UNC Charlotte, and assumed the role on July 15, 2005. Under his administration, 10 bachelor's, 17 master's, and 12 doctoral programs were added to UNC Charlotte. He retired in 2020, and was succeeded by
Sharon Gaber. He currently resides with his wife, Lisa, in
Georgia. He has 3 children. ==Awards==