CIE director leaving UNCW

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Jim Roberts, who has led the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UNCW, has been “separated” from the university effective immediately, the university said.

Roberts, who has been the director of CIE since May of 2013, couldn’t be reached for comment. The university issued the following statement Thursday morning.

“UNCW thanks Jim Roberts for his leadership of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which concluded today, and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Entrepreneurs like Peter Robichau say the announcement was a surprise.

“He is extremely well-connected and he is a networker,” Robichau said. “And he has been an invaluable part of community here at CIE so it’s going to be a huge loss of the CIE.”

The center advocates for and advises entrepreneurs in the Wilmington area and acts as an incubator for start-up companies.

“The most important thing the university can do is get someone as integral and well-connected and as well prepared as Jim as quickly has possible.”

When asked for reasons for Roberts’ departure, the university’s spokeswoman said they could not comment. The university says there’s no word on who will replace Roberts.