Supporting the Next Generation of Shelton Scholars: Alum Luke Perkins pledges $25,000 gift

For NC State alum Luke Perkins ‘14 (engineering), the Shelton Scholars program is more than just a scholarship experience, it is a transformational community of values-based leaders seeking to make a positive impact in their industries.

“The Shelton Scholars program gave me more than financial support—it gave me a model for how to live and lead with purpose. I’m forever grateful for the relationships it helped me build, the values it instilled, and the confidence it gave me to pursue ambitious goals,” Perkins said.

Perkins was a member of the 2010-2014 Shelton Scholars cohort and engaged in multiple development opportunities that the program offers, such as service trips, leadership seminars, and mentorship opportunities.

During his time in the Shelton Scholars program, Perkins also had the opportunity to meet Shelton Leadership Center founder General H. Hugh Shelton, who instilled in him an embodiment of what it means to live with one’s values.

“One of the most meaningful experiences was my interaction with General Shelton himself. As a freshman, I was appointed as the student representative to the Shelton Leadership Center’s Board of Advisors. I got to see General Shelton in action as chairman of the board, and through conversations with him and other board members, I learned about his life—from growing up in a small town in North Carolina to serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Perkins said. “His example and presence left a lasting impression on me and shaped how I view leadership, service, and the responsibility of giving back to your community.”

Perkins’s experience within the Shelton approach to values-based leadership development extends back farther than his professional studies at NC State. He also attended the Shelton Challenge as a high school student, where he was exposed to the fundamental leadership principles that are the foundation of the Shelton Leadership Center. The impact of these lessons continues to translate into his career today. 

“The Shelton Scholars program had a profound impact on both my personal and professional development. Before even setting foot on campus, I attended the Shelton Challenge leadership camp and was immediately immersed in leadership development. Working in a controlled environment with a team, I had the opportunity to observe different leadership styles and how people responded to them,” Perkins said. “At first, it felt like we were just solving puzzles and games as a team—but over time, I realized those challenges were teaching deeper lessons about communication, adaptability, and how to be a part of a team. Those lessons continue to stick with me today, especially when I’m navigating tough situations with clients or leading our team of engineers at Swift Partners.”

As the Founder of Swift Partners, a civil engineering firm located in downtown Raleigh, Perkins is a leader within the Triangle engineering industry with a passion for applying technology driven solutions to civil engineering problems. He founded Swift Sites, a land development due diligence software platform, and Swift Partners in 2020.  

The Shelton Scholars’s longstanding impact has inspired him to give back to the program. On NC State’s 2025 Day of Giving, Perkins pledged a gift of $25,000 to continue to grow learning opportunities through the program.

“The program creates a unique space where leadership, service, and scholarship intersect. Contributions help sustain the immersive experiences that set the program apart—things like the Shelton Leadership Forum, global experiences, service-learning projects, internships, career opportunities, and personal mentorship,” Perkins said. “These are the kinds of moments that become turning points in students’ lives. When we give back, we’re helping cultivate future leaders who will go on to make an impact in their communities and professions.”

His gift will fund transformative leadership development opportunities by supporting essential features of the Shelton Scholars program.

“I’d love to see the fund continue the support for international service-learning opportunities, entrepreneurial leadership experiences, and expanded access to mentors with diverse and impressive backgrounds—leaders who, like General Shelton, can inspire students through their stories and example,” Perkins said. “The more we can expose students to global perspectives and real-world challenges, the more meaningful and lasting the program’s impact will be.”

Perkins reflected on the multitude of ways that his own life has been impacted by his Shelton experience and hopes to continue this level of impact for future generations of Shelton Scholars through his support of the program.

“I support the program because I’ve experienced firsthand how transformational it can be. It’s more than a scholarship—it’s a tight-knit community that pushes students to aim higher. Because of the Center’s connection to Barbara Mulkey and her engineering firm, I landed an internship as a sophomore.  That summer helped me explore different areas of civil engineering and ultimately set the direction for my career,” Perkins said. “The program also supported me when I chose to study abroad in the UK—an experience that not only broadened my perspective but also led to me meeting my now-wife! The Shelton network and guidance opened doors to my first full time job opportunity. Long after graduation the program continued to motivate me to grow so that I could start Swift Partners and could one day give back and help provide someone else with the same opportunities it gave me.”