Dartmouth announced on Apr. 3 that it has started a search for a new executive director of the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship, following Jamie Coughlin’s decision to step down after 13 years as founding executive director.
The leadership transition comes as Dartmouth plans to expand the Magnuson Center and integrate the Technology Transfer Office, aiming to create a unified structure supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across campus. The center helps students, faculty, staff, and alumni develop business and nonprofit ventures.
Coughlin said he will assist with the transition and described this period as an “exciting next phase of growth for the center.” Dean Madden, vice provost for research, and Andrea Johnson ’91, chair of the Magnuson Board of Advisors, are leading the search. Madden said that uniting technology transfer with entrepreneurship resources will “streamline our pipeline from discovery to societal impact.” He added: “Combining the signature features of Technology Transfer with Magnuson’s core programs will enable them to work together as a single team to drive that impact.”
The expanded initiative—referred to as “Magnuson 3.0”—will include a campuswide accelerator program, more experiential learning opportunities for students, increased support for translating faculty research into commercial applications, and enhanced alumni engagement. Madden emphasized maintaining Dartmouth’s liberal arts approach: “We don’t want to drift too far from the idea that these are opportunities for students to learn and that we’re bringing in the human perspective.”
Johnson praised Coughlin’s contributions: “He took an idea and turned it into something real. He built a culture, a community, and a platform that will serve Dartmouth entrepreneurs for generations.” Coughlin reflected on his tenure by saying: “It is a community, a culture, and a foundation that will continue to grow and support Dartmouth entrepreneurs for years to come.” Madden also acknowledged Coughlin’s role: “A catalyst and advocate for entrepreneurship at Dartmouth, he has put his heart and soul into building opportunities for our community.”
Vice Provost Eric Fossum will continue directing both academic-industry partnerships campuswide and the PhD Innovation Program while focusing on strengthening collaborations between faculty innovation efforts.
The national search committee includes members from various departments along with trustees Jeff Crowe ’78; Maia Josebachvili ’05; Anna Mahoney; Lisa Marsch; Katherine Mirica; Eileen O’Toole; Brian Pogue; Charles Sentman; Todd Sisitsky ’93; Soroush Vosoughi—and is working with Isaacson Miller consulting firm.
A position profile is expected soon based on stakeholder input sessions. Nominations from members of the Dartmouth community are encouraged.
