Scott Selig to Retire as Associate VP of Real Estate

Selig will step down in August after nearly 25 years

Scott Selig

Scott Selig, Associate Vice President for Capital Assets and Real Estate, will retire in August 2025 after nearly 25 years of service to Duke University.

Selig joined Duke in 2001 and has led its overall off-campus real estate strategy during a time of transformative growth for Duke and Durham. During his tenure, Selig led Duke’s anchor roles in the development and implementation of the Durham Innovation District and American Tobacco Campus, which helped introduce a period of renewal and revitalization in downtown Durham.

Such efforts helped change the perception of Durham from what the New York Times described as "a place best avoided after sundown" to a town that later made the newspaper's 2011 list of the top places in the world to visit. 

“I’ve done a lot of real estate projects during my career,” Selig said, “but what I’m most proud of is helping to highlight parts of Durham’s important history and being part of pointing it toward a brighter future. I hope I’ve contributed in some small way to the sense of pride people have for this community I continue to call home.”

The Real Estate Office portfolio under Selig's leadership contains more than 300 leases encompassing approximately 4.5 million square feet of office, medical clinic, laboratory, and warehouse space. He is also responsible for the management of the Washington Duke Inn, a 271-room, 4-star hotel and executive meeting center.

“I’ve been fortunate to have worked with Scott prior to joining Duke when I oversaw the American Tobacco Campus and now as part of the Duke Community Affairs team,” said Adam Klein, Associate Vice President for Economic Development. “He’s been a key leader in Duke’s partnership with the city of Durham, most notably in downtown Durham’s renaissance. Scott has been an extraordinary strategic partner and friend to the Durham community.”

Selig has also served on the boards of several community organizations, including the Center for Child and Family Health, the Duke Faculty Club, Triangle Day School, and Downtown Durham Inc., a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the environment, economy and vitality of downtown Durham.

The role reports jointly to Rachel Satterfield, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer, and Lisa Goodlett, Senior Vice President, CFO and Treasurer of the Health System, who said a national search will be launched in the coming months for Selig’s successor.

“Scott has been a dedicated and visionary leader for many years,” Satterfield said. “The university and the Durham community have benefited immeasurably from his many contributions.”  Goodlett added, “We are grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in retirement.”

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