University of North Carolina System Interim President Bill Roper has announced that three recent UNC System graduates will serve as Presidential Scholars for the 2019-20 academic year. Presidential Scholars serve a one-year appointment and provide a wide range of professional functions for the UNC System Office. The scholars will interact with the president, his senior leadership and members of the UNC System Board of Governors, on topics that include education, public policy, research and data trends that affect higher education.

“This program has been such a great success since it began,” Roper said. “The scholars assist the UNC System with crucial work, while they also earn valuable experience in their preparations for promising careers in public leadership. We are proud of them for this high achievement and anticipate a great working relationship in the coming year.” 

Scholars were selected from among 2019’s UNC System graduates. Each of the applicants demonstrated leadership skills, intellectual curiosity and a strong interest in higher education and public service. The Scholars program goes beyond higher education and career development, with an exposure to the ideals of public service to the state.  Scholars see firsthand how education legislation and university policy affect current students and state residents.

This year’s scholars class includes:

Robert Boone

Elizabeth City State University

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

Concentration:  Economics & Finance

Alexis Landrum

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies 

Bachelor of Arts, International Studies

Minor:  German Studies

Katharine Shriver

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bachelor of Arts, Public Policy and Political Science

Minor:  Social and Economic Justice

The UNC System wishes to thank Dajer Fernandez, UNC Pembroke; Ashley George, UNC Wilmington; Colin Russell, UNC-Chapel Hill; and William Zaharn, East Carolina University for serving as Presidential Scholars for the 2018-2019 year.

###