Disrupting Business as Usual: Introducing the Close School of Entrepreneurship
Join founding Dean Donna De Carolis, as she introduces us to the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship on the Drexel University campus in downtown Philadelphia.
Close is the nation’s first and only freestanding school of entrepreneurship to offer degrees. Its academic programs prepare students to face the challenges of self-employment and new venture creation in an extremely competitive, global workforce that increasingly values initiative, independence, and the intellectual dexterity to rethink old ways of doing things and invent new ones.
In addition to our discussion with Dean De Carolis, we will experience several elevator pitches from Close School students. After their presentations, there will be an opportunity to network with student entrepreneurs, faculty and staff in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship, an in-house incubator that serves as the experiential arm of the Close School curriculum.
Donna De Carolis, Ph.D., is the founding Dean of the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at Drexel University. Previously, she held the position of Associate Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship Education at Drexel University. In this role, she oversaw the development and coordination of all academic entrepreneurial offerings and student activities at Drexel, served as the spokesperson for Drexel University entrepreneurial education initiatives and oversaw the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship. To watch a video about the Close School, click here .
Donna has also served as the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs at the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University, and was responsible for the administration and strategic direction of all graduate and corporate degree programs. She implemented the LeBow Strategic Plan, and also had strategic responsibility for the business school’s four Centers of Excellence. In addition, she coordinated the development of synergistic programs and initiatives among the business school, other colleges at Drexel and with the business community at large.
Donna is a weekly commentator on KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia, providing a business commentary on trends in entrepreneurship and leadership. In addition, her opinions and commentaries have appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Business Journal and Business Week. She is an active member of the Alliance for Women Entrepreneurs, the Academy of Management and the Strategic Management Society. She serves on the on the advisory board of several startup companies. She earned her doctoral degree in strategic management from Temple University, and holds an MBA from Villanova University.
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2015 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship, Gerri C. LeBow Hall, third floor, 3220 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Cost: $30 when pre-registered or $40 at the door.
Light appetizers and a selection of craft beers, wine and soft drinks will be served. Information on discount parking will be provided.
Please note: Registration is through the HBS Club website and requires sign-in as a non-HBS alumni.