The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is a joint merit scholarship and leadership development program at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The scholarship offers participants a unique "dual citizenship" at both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Approximately 25-30 students are selected from the pool of applicants to both universities.[1]
The program was created in 2000 by benefactor Julian Robertson, a 1955 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill. Mr. Robertson sought to encourage collaboration between Duke and the University of North Carolina and to promote the development of young leaders.[2] His initial $24 million gift as well as his subsequent gifts to the program and the universities are overseen by a board of directors including Duke University president Vincent E. Price, UNC-Chapel Hill chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. Julian Robertson was chair of this board and was involved in the program's administration until his death in August 2022.[3]
The program covers four years of undergraduate tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and provides recipients full funding for three summer experiences.[4] The summer components of the program have served as a model for DukeEngage, an initiative to offer the opportunity for summer research and internships to all Duke undergraduates.[5] [6]
Robertson Scholars are required to spend the second semester of their sophomore year at the sister campus and may attend classes at the sister campus throughout their undergraduate career.