Experiences of Successful Center Directors - Baylor University

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, WHARTON SCHOOL
Ian MacMillan is Director of the Sol C. Snider Entrepreneurial Center. Consistently
rated one of the top graduate programs, the program administers the
largest SBDC network in the U.S.
■ Wharton is the prominent private school in the city, serving mainly the
business-school community. There are about 2,000 graduate students and
1,500 undergraduate students. Of these, about 1/3 of the undergraduates
are enrolled in an entrepreneurship course as are about 1/2 of the graduate
students.
■ The program was started in 1972.
■ There are four full-time faculty and eight adjunct faculty, all of whom are
entrepreneurs.
■ The center received an original endowment of $1.5 million and has just
received a significant infusion of funds.
■ The center has integrated entrepreneurship through the School by “coopting”
other departments to offer specialized courses. For example,
medical-technology entrepreneurship in the biotechnology school or realestate
development in the real estate department.
■ Four research streams are emphasized: (1) how businesses develop
competence; (2) rapid growth issues; (3) technology commercialization;
and (4) corporate venturing.
■ Outreach includes being the main center for the Pennsylvania SBDC,
visiting scholars program and a student venture fund.
■ Advice to those starting a program include: (1) begin with enough money,
at least $5 million to $10 million; (2) have a good advisory board with
realistic entrepreneurs who provide advice and assistance; (3) get the
support of your development office; and (4) develop funded chairs when
you have someone to fill them.
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