Dartmouth College announced on Apr. 3 that it has started the 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 at a time when Dartmouth is planning an expansion of the Magnuson Center. The expanded center will bring together faculty, students, staff, and alumni to advance innovation across campus. As part of this effort, the Technology Transfer Office—which supports researchers seeking to patent and commercialize their work—will join forces with the entrepreneurship and alumni networking resources under one structure.
Coughlin said he has been involved in shaping “this exciting next phase of growth for the center” and will support the ongoing search process. Dean Madden, vice provost for research, and Andrea Johnson ’91, chair of the Magnuson Board of Advisors, are leading the search committee. Madden said that combining Technology Transfer with Magnuson’s core programs “will enable them to work together as a single team to drive that impact.” He added: “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.”
Eric Fossum, vice provost and John H. Krehbiel Sr. Professor for Emerging Technologies—who leads both academic-industry partnerships and innovation programs—will continue directing related initiatives during this transition period.
Magnuson’s growth over recent years includes serving around 1,000 students, 100 faculty members, and 1,500 alumni annually. Johnson praised Coughlin’s efforts: “He took an idea and turned it into something real… The foundation he has laid makes everything we’re envisioning for Magnuson 3.0 possible.” Madden described Coughlin as “a catalyst and advocate for entrepreneurship at Dartmouth.”
The incoming executive director will be tasked with leading new collaborations across campus partners such as energy institutes and career centers while deploying resources in support of entrepreneurship education.
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.”
A position profile will be posted soon based on stakeholder input sessions; nominations from Dartmouth community members are encouraged.
