Lee Roberts will take the role of University interim chancellor on Friday, the same day Kevin Guskiewicz will step down from the job to begin his tenure as Michigan State University president in March.
Roberts stepped down from his position as a member of the UNC Board of Governors, a position he held since 2021, to take the position.
He previously served as state budget director for former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory. He is also the co-founder and managing partner of North Carolina investment firm SharpVue Capital.
During his time as state budget director, Roberts worked on the Connect NC Bond, which allocated $2 billion for infrastructure improvements and construction on UNC System campuses and community colleges.
With a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University and a law degree from Georgetown University, Roberts has also taught at Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy since 2020. He has served on the State Board of Community Colleges, the State Banking Commission, the Board of Visitors at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy and the Golden LEAF Foundation Board.
Roberts has no previous professional administrative experience in higher education.
“Public higher education is one of North Carolina’s greatest strengths, and I’m honored to play a role in serving the nation’s first and finest public university,” Roberts said in the statement announcing his chancellorship. “Chancellor Guskiewicz and his team have done extraordinary work, and I’m excited to continue supporting the dedicated scholars, staff, and students at Carolina.”
Roberts has four goals planned for his time as interim chancellor, according to The Well: Do no harm, ensure a smooth transition, make sure students and faculty and staff have what they need and to leave campus better than he found it.
