New Directors in the Office of Entrepreneurship

I am thrilled to announce the addition of three exceptional leaders to the newly established Office of Entrepreneurship (OoE).

These roles will serve to further strengthen Lehigh’s entrepreneurial culture and deliver on the ambitious goals outlined in the university's strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers.

Aligned with the strategic plan, the OoE serves as a hub for the many centers, institutes, programs and initiatives that provide learners and founders from all backgrounds, identities and disciplines with the mindsets, knowledge, skills and networks needed to differentiate themselves and make a difference in the world through their ability to frame problems and define opportunities; create innovative, valuable solutions; and found scalable companies.

Having served for over two decades in the build out of many of Lehigh’s foundational entrepreneurship programs, I'm inspired anew each day by our students, faculty and alumni; they are indeed the Future Makers. The new OoE directors, through their experience and vision, will work with me to build upon and leverage today's wide array of offerings into a true entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Please join me in welcoming the following individuals to their new roles:

Tyler Groft '13

Director, Baker Institute for Entrepreneurship, Creativity & Innovation

Tyler is an innovative pedagogist with expertise in the design and delivery of deeply engaging educational programs. Tyler is dedicated to the Baker Institute’s mission of fostering entrepreneurial mindset and skill building for learners from all disciplines, experience levels and identities, and brings a fresh perspective to unlocking entrepreneurial problem-solving through design thinking and the support of new and emerging entrepreneurial thinkers and doers.

Kristin Laudenslager

Director of Marketing and Communications for OoE

Kristin is a seasoned marketing and communications strategist with expertise in higher education and non-profit integrated campaigns. In this newly created role, Kristin will design, build and execute on a strategic approach to better align and communicate the entrepreneurial opportunities that are uniquely Lehigh, leveraging her passion for storytelling and experience in pioneering marcom strategies.

Michael "Mike" Rinkunas '02 '08G

Director of Lehigh Ventures Lab

Mike is a dynamic entrepreneur who is passionate about empowering both emerging and established founders to transform their nascent startups into successful, sustainable ventures. With a unique blend of experience in academia, startups, corporate environments, and venture capital, Mike is well-equipped to champion entrepreneurial solutions, foster critical partnerships, and navigate the complexities of intellectual property in venture creation.

I would also like to thank Chris Kauzmann ‘13, 14G, who graciously agreed to serve as the interim director of the Ventures Lab during the search for a permanent leader. Chris has played a crucial role in the Lehigh entrepreneurial ecosystem for the past 10 years and will now transition back to his desired part-time role as Innovator in Residence, where he can continue supporting the OoE while pursuing his personal passions.

Please join me in congratulating these new leaders as we collectively work to elevate Lehigh's entrepreneurial ecosystem and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Be on the lookout for ongoing updates about the incredible opportunities available to Lehigh students, faculty, staff and alumni. Until then, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kristin or myself.

Sincerely,

Lisa Getzler

Vice Provost, Entrepreneurship