PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Presidential Scholars are recent graduates of a UNC System institution who serve a one-year appointment in the President’s Office. Working closely with high ranking university officials, they provide a wide range of professional functions. Through this immersive opportunity, scholars explore the inner workings of the UNC System. They develop a keener understanding of how higher education has transformed North Carolina’s economy and why it is critical to our state’s future.
Largely self-directed, this position lends itself to UNC System graduates who are motivated, intellectually curious, and not afraid to take risks. Scholars interact regularly with the president, senior leadership, and members of the Board of Governors and will work to research, write, and implement policy. While they must tackle daily responsibilities, Presidential Scholars will also encounter unique opportunities, and they should be ready to assume additional projects as they arise.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
- Strong project management or organizational skills
- Research, editing, and proofreading skills
- Ability to work as a team where ongoing collaboration is a must
- Ability to handle multiple projects
- Relationship-building skills conducive to building working relationships with UNC System staff, as well as 17 campuses and affiliated organizations
- Ability to contribute individually and participate in cross-functional teams
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Ability to perform clerical duties, such as answering the phone, filing, copying, handling calendars, scheduling appointments, etc.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Presidential Scholars must earn a baccalaureate degree during the academic year in which they apply to the program. The program accepts both December and May graduates. This degree must be issued from a UNC System institution.
Preference will be given to applicants who have an interest in policy, higher education, finance, or economic development and the future of North Carolina.
APPLICATION
To apply for this program, complete the online application no later than January 28, 2019. (Applications are closed for 2019.) You will also need to upload your resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, and letter of recommendation when completing the online application. If you have any questions about the program or application process, please contact Kimberly Mitchell, at presinterns@northcarolina.edu. Interviews for the finalists will take place in February with an anticipated start date of July.
Note for applicants: This is a temporary position, and the only benefit you may be eligible for is a high deductible health plan.
Meet the 2019-2020 Presidential Scholars
Alexis Landrum, University of North Carolina at Wilmington 2019
Alexis Landrum was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Communications and International Studies with a minor in German. Throughout her time at UNCW, she participated in a variety of organizations across campus and in the Wilmington Community. Alexis served as a resident assistant for the entire duration of her time at school, the Black Student Union President, a freshman mentor, and a committee chair for the Student Government Association on campus.
Additionally, Alexis was a chair member for the Academic & Disciplinarian Conduct Board for the Dean of Students, where she served on a board with both students and administration to make critical decisions that directly impact students. She also served as a mentor for the Upperman Excellence Project, where she guided three freshman minority students through the challenges that arise while transitioning to college life. She was also a member of both the Black Women’s Association and the Black Pre-Law Association, which were recently inaugurated as organizations at UNCW.
As a member of last year’s class of Marian Drane Scholars, Alexis has a passion for public service and North Carolina. She plans to utilize her time at the UNC System Office to figure out where she would like to attend law school to best serve her state and fellow constituents. Alexis is excited to be back at the System Office and ready to learn everything she can in order to gain better insight into the UNC System.
Katharine Shriver, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2019
Katharine grew up in Cary, North Carolina. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning a BA in Public Policy and Political Science and a minor in social and economic justice. As an undergraduate student, Katharine was engaged in numerous activities both on campus and in the community, specifically with student government and her sorority.
Prior to being elected Speaker of the 99th Undergraduate Senate, Katharine was involved in the Undergraduate Senate for over two years as a senator and Ethics Committee chair. In addition, Katharine served as a delegate for the Association of Student Governments (2017-2018). During her term as speaker, Shriver served as the chair of the Joint Governance Council, a body that has the authority to approve legislation that concerns both undergraduate and graduate and professional students. Throughout her entire time in student government, Katharine sponsored and introduced legislation that focused on fighting to maintain student self-governance at Carolina.
Additionally, Katharine was also a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and served as Vice President of Housing. Through this role, Katharine had the opportunity to lobby in Washington, D.C. to promote fraternity and sorority life on college campuses. During her summers, Katharine held internships with Congressman David Price and Governor Roy Cooper. Through these experiences, Katharine developed a passion for public service and higher education in North Carolina, which led her to become a Presidential Scholar.
Robert Boone, Jr., Elizabeth City State University 2019
Robert Boone, Jr. grew up in Lewiston-Woodville, North Carolina. He is a 2019 graduate of Elizabeth City State University, where he earned a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in economics and finance. As a student at ECSU, he was an active member of the Student Government Association, where he served as a senator and Vice President of Administration. Boone was a member of various campus committees, including the University Services Review Committee, Dining Service Advisory Committee, Tuition and Fees Committee, and the Campus Beautification Committee. Through these opportunities, Boone was able to meet with students, university officials, and other stakeholders to represent and address the concerns of the entire student body.
During the summer of 2018, Boone interned with Bertie County Schools as an administrative intern with the Office of the Superintendent. Through research and planning, he was able to take part in developing a plan for Bertie County Schools to have its first ever district-wide Club Day and Student Government Association program for the 2018-2019 school year. Boone completed his stint as a student leader at ECSU serving as a Chancellor’s Ambassador, president of the ECSU National Pan-Hellenic Council, and a University Advancement student employee. Additionally, Boone is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Boone is a strong advocate for education and public service, and his student leadership roles at ECSU sparked his profound interest in the Presidential Scholars Program. While at the UNC System Office, he hopes to gain more insight into the operations of the System and how it supports each individual institution. Boone is excited about serving in this capacity and is looking forward to gaining valuable experience while making an important contribution to the UNC System.