Vanderbilt University seeks ExecDirector for new VU Innovation Center

Milt Capps Updated 1 Nov. 2015


Updated: 1 Nov. 2015 - VNC understands that some initial cuts have been made within the applicant pool. Interviews are expected in Nov.-Dec. timeframe. Goal is to have person in place 1Q16.-Ed.

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY is hiring an executive director for its previously announced Innovation Center.

VNC's previous report on the new facility that will house the Center and the campuswide innovation agenda that continues to unfold there are located here.

John Geer

Based on a reading of the posting on the university's employment site, it seems the IC's executive director is to report to John Geer, Ph.D., the university's vice provost for academic and strategic affairs and interim dean of Vanderbilt's graduate school.

A reading of the full job posting further suggests that the most competitive candidates for the internal/external IC leadership role will hold an advanced degree beyond the Bachelor's and experience working in academe -- as well, perhaps, as familiarity with new-venture development and technology commercialization -- and, they will be expected to raise funds for the center and its programs.

Here are a few excerpts from the extensive posting on the Vanderbilt employment website, where the university makes clear the founding executive director of the IC (position 1507122) will lead a multifaceted, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary effort, described, in part, as follows:

...The Innovation Center will have devoted state-of-the-art space for collaboration, workshops, and programming in support of creativity and entrepreneurship. The Center will also have prototyping and visualization tool space, and have its educational activities linked to the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization and the Center for Student Professional Development.

...The Innovation Center will serve as a point of contact for all students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to connecting with the various resources across Vanderbilt's campus, it will serve as a common space for students to develop and test ideas alongside their peers with mentorship from faculty, alumni, corporate partners, the Nashville entrepreneurial community and beyond.

...As envisioned in the University's most recent Academic Strategic Plan, we seek to further our commitment to fostering a culture of learning and discovery that goes beyond the four walls of the classroom by promoting four intersecting themes:

  • Offering students a rich intellectual community focused on the whole person and lifelong learning.
  • Investing in multi- and interdisciplinary programs for solving problems facing society.
  • Building distinguished programs that offer innovative, effective solutions to pressing health and health care problems.
  • Transforming education models through technology and research.

This story will be updated, as warranted. VNC