Chapel Hill & Durham, North Carolina, May 5, 2026– The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is proud to welcome twenty-five incoming first-year students as members of its Class of 2030. Selected from a highly competitive global applicant pool, these Scholars represent twelve states and three countries, bringing with them a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and aspirations for leadership and service.

Adeyiola Adejare, Mount Juliet, TN Andrew Berko-Boateng, London, England Lakshmiprasanna Birasam, Edmond, OK Harrison Burkhardt, Johnston, IA Myles Cherette, Somerset, NJ Ava Davies, Studham, England Myles Decosimo, Durham, NC Mery Diaz, Knoxville, TN Bella Fajardo, Westfield, NJ Isabel Garcia, Wilmington, NC Mia Ha-Rozewski, Aiea, HI Lena Howarth, Hillsborough, NC Risheeth Kankeyan, Dublin, OH

Liam Killoren, Matthews, NC Kriti Kumar, Olathe, KS Nathan Lee, Tuscaloosa, AL Alex Lin, Greensboro, NC Kethan Neginhal, Huntington, WV Oluwashindara Olatosi, Blythewood, SC Praneel Pandit, Urbana, MD Chris Proctor, Waipawa, New Zealand Sergio Santiago-Jimenez, Wilson, NC Antariksha Sharma, Fairfield, IA Benjamin Standefer, Dallas, TX Emanuelle Wolf-Dubin, Nashville, TN

“The Class of 2030 brings an energy and perspective that feels both grounded and forward-looking,” said Director of Recruitment & Selection Kay-Frances Brody. “These students are already asking thoughtful questions about the world around them and their role in shaping it. What stands out is not just what they’ve accomplished, but how they engage with curiosity, humility, and a real commitment to others. We’re excited to see how they grow within this community and how they will challenge and inspire those around them.”

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program invests in students who are committed to leading with purpose and contributing meaningfully to their communities. Scholars are selected for their demonstrated leadership and their capacity to think critically, act with integrity, and build connections across difference.

Andrew Lakis, Executive Director of the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, shared, “The Robertson is more than access to two extraordinary universities – it’s an invitation into a life-long community that fosters growth, meaningful contribution, and collaborative leadership. Our Scholars are leaders who step into complexity, who are willing to listen deeply and act thoughtfully, and who understand that transformational change is rarely accomplished alone. We’re excited to welcome them into our Robertson Scholars community.”

In addition to full tuition, room, and board, Robertson Scholars have access to the academic and co-curricular opportunities at both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Scholars take courses across campuses, often pursuing cross campus majors, minors, and certificates, spend a semester in residence at the partner institution, and engage in leadership opportunities at both universities. This unique partnership creates a dynamic undergraduate experience that bridges two world-class institutions.

Throughout their time as undergraduates, Scholars participate in leadership development experiences designed to cultivate curiosity, reflection, and a commitment to transforming the communities they are a part of. They also benefit from up to three fully funded summer experiences and additional grants that support self-directed learning, exploration, and leadership growth. After graduation, Robertsons remain active members of a vibrant alumni community committed to growing their leadership and impact.

Founded in 2000 through the vision and generosity of the late Julian Robertson, a 1955 graduate of UNC, and his wife, Josie, the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program was created to bring together the distinct strengths of Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Inspired by their sons’ experiences at each institution, the Robertsons believed that the combination of both universities would offer students an unparalleled educational experience. The first class of Robertson Scholars matriculated in 2001.

Today, the Robertson alumni network includes more than 630 leaders across six continents, all connected by a shared commitment to making transformational contributions in their communities and professions. This year marks 25 years of Robertson Scholars at Duke and Carolina.