Alex Lawrence, a serial entrepreneur, has been named vice provost for Innovation & Economic Development at Weber State University. In this role he will lead the Technology Outreach Center on campus that supports the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) technology economic development initiative.
“I believe the past 17 years I’ve spent as a serial entrepreneur and business owner will serve me well in this new role,” Lawrence said. “As a graduate of Weber State, I’m excited to come back here and pursue these new opportunities to connect and engage the community and local industry with the expertise and resources at the university.”
Lawrence’s most recent success has been as a partner with Lendio, a company that matches businesses with the right funding and loan options. In 2010, Inc. 500 ranked Lendio as the fastest-growing company in Utah, second in the nation in its business services category, and 34th overall.
“As an entrepreneur, Alex brings to this role first-hand experience in a variety of fields, from retail to information technology. His breadth of experience is truly outstanding and will be a great asset to us,” said WSU Provost Mike Vaughan. “It’s especially satisfying to have an alumnus from our MBA program leading our center and building on the strong foundation already in place.”
Lawrence is founder and owner of Lawrence Capital Management, a multi-industry holding company started in 1998, which invests in a variety of start-up, growing and mature businesses including TwitJump, Franchise Foundry, TGIFridays and more. For the past decade, Lawrence has been the author and owner of The Entrepreneurs Blog, an online resource where he shares his business experiences and expertise. His Twitter account is consistently among the most popular in Utah, with more than 39,000 followers. A natural teacher, Lawrence has volunteered for seven years with the Junto Partners entrepreneurship program and teaches an Internet marketing course for the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics at WSU.
“We’re excited to have Alex join the USTAR team. He inherits an outreach center that has been a leader in promoting regional economic development,” said Ted McAleer, USTAR executive director. “Since 2009, Weber State has had 17 projects funded the through the Technology Commercialization Grants program, more than any other outreach center.”
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