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Allen Chan Stepping Down From Robertson Scholars Post

Chan has led the leadership program for more than seven years

After more than seven years leading the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, Allen Chan plans to step down as executive director at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is an undergraduate leadership development program jointly run by UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University. The program is sponsored by the Robertson Foundation, established by Julian and Josie Robertson and their family in 1996, with a mandate to develop leaders who will make transformational contributions to their campuses, communities and society.

Under Chan’s leadership, the program has established itself as one of the preeminent undergraduate leadership programs in the U.S. The program has also helped to nurture greater collaboration between UNC-CH and Duke, and now has an alumni network of more than 400 all over the world.

“As executive director, Allen has transformed the lives of hundreds of Robertson Scholars, who have served communities throughout our state and around the world,” said Duke University President Vincent E. Price. “We are very grateful for his leadership, which has helped to deliver on Julian Robertson’s vision and to establish the Robertson Scholars program as a vital part of the identity of our two great institutions.”

Added UNC–CH Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz: “The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program has been a tremendous asset for Carolina, developing the next generation of leaders here at Carolina and at Duke University as well. Allen has been integral to the program’s continued success and growth, and we are incredibly grateful for his hard work and dedication to our students.”

Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill will coordinate with the Robertson Foundation in a nationwide search to find Chan’s successor.

“It has been my pleasure and honor to have worked on behalf of Julian Robertson and two great universities -- Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill -- for these many years in an effort to develop the next generation of leaders,” Chan said.  “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with so many bright and committed scholars over the past seven years and look forward to following their careers as they assume new leadership roles.”