Just months after becoming executive director of the Robertson Scholars Program, Alex Perwich has resigned his post.
Perwich officially left his position as the head of the 10-year-old merit scholarship program June 1. He originally took on the position Feb. 15.
The Robertson program grants scholarships to 36 incoming freshmen—18 at both Duke and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—covering tuition, room, board, summer stipends and other fees.
Perwich would not address the details of his leave, but said he is relocating to Atlanta, Ga. to address personal matters.
“This was a fairly unanticipated circumstance or set of circumstances,” Perwich said. “As I reflect on my career, more often than not I have sacrificed family for my career, and so in this case I chose the reverse. That aspect of the choice is positive for me, but having to give up what I think is just an incredible program, that’s a significant letdown.”
Jeanne Kirschner, Robertson Scholars Program associate director for finance, administration and planning, said the program has assembled a leadership team to find a replacement for Perwich.
Kirschner said she does not know when the team will complete its work, but said that it will meet throughout the summer. She said the team will include members of the Robertson Foundation, an external consultant and herself. Kirschner said she could not comment on the specifics of the process because every search is different.
Kirschner said Perwich’s leave will not significantly affect the scholarship program.
“We are still a tremendous program and we will continue to deliver a great program,” Kirschner said. “This should be nothing unusual for the scholars.”
Perwich added that he has received a “strong sense of support” from students and staff affiliated with the Robertson Scholars program since he announced his resignation. He said he thinks the program is very successful and will remain that way.
“This is a fast-moving train with lots of things going on all the time,” Perwich said. “It will thrive the way it’s thrived for the past 10 years. The hopes remain the same.”
Although Perwich said the Robertson Scholars program is constantly busy, his leave comes at a relatively slow time.
“As the organization sits right now, it is the summer so probably from an academic point of view that is a slack period,” Perwich said. He added that the program is currently running summer courses, preparing for the incoming freshmen and starting to recruit the Class of 2015.
Before heading the Robertson Scholars program, Perwich was unaffiliated with either Duke or UNC. He formerly worked as an economics professor at United States Military Academy at West Point and served as chief executive officer of the world’s largest collegiate honor society and as president of WaterDesk Corp., an alternative energy start-up.
Although his time at the scholarship program was brief, Perwich said he enjoyed developing “human capital.”
“The purpose of enabling human beings to realize their leadership potential just hits a very near and dear sweet spot for me,” he said. “There is a very warm place in my heart for developing exceptional human talent, especially young talent. You almost think of it parentally.”
Kirschner said she is disappointed to see Perwich leave, but also glad that he is able to take time to address important personal matters.
“Of course we were surprised,” Kirschner said. “We wish him nothing but the best.”
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