New Leadership at Center for Entrepreneurship Signals Exciting Changes Ahead

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CfE) at Washington State University (WSU) is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Warner as the new executive director. This newly established role signifies a significant expansion of leadership within the CfE and aims to further enhance entrepreneurial opportunities for WSU students. Warner will be collaborating closely with Marie Mayes, the current director, who will transition into the role of faculty director for the CfE.

Paul Warner brings a wealth of experience in marketing, journalism, and sales, having led global advertising and digital marketing teams at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Before joining WSU, he also founded his own business and provided consultancy services for clients in various sectors including government, education, and private industry.

Debbie Compeau, interim dean of the Carson College, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, highlighting the significant impact that the CfE has on providing premier business education to all WSU students with an entrepreneurial spirit. The Center, established in 1995, plays a crucial role in promoting engagement, scholarship, and dialogue across the university and with stakeholders both locally and globally.

The annual Business Plan Competition is one of the flagship programs at CfE, offering students the opportunity to pitch new business ventures to a panel of judges and compete for substantial prize money. This competition allows participants to gain valuable entrepreneurship experience and receive guidance from industry professionals.

Paul Warner has played an integral role in the Business Plan Competition, serving as a judge since 2015 and teaching entrepreneurial marketing at the Carson College. He expressed his admiration for Marie Mayes’ work in building a strong foundation for the Center and outlined his vision for the future, which focuses on expanding relationships, visibility, and outreach to a diverse range of communities.

In his new role, Warner plans to prioritize outreach to all students to ensure they are aware of the entrepreneurial opportunities available to them. He also aims to explore potential redesigns for the entrepreneurial space at the WSU Commons to better accommodate the needs of students and visitors. Warner envisions the CfE as a beacon for students and alumni with entrepreneurial ambitions and is dedicated to expanding the Center’s reputation as a valuable resource for advice, education, innovation, funding, and mentorship.

The appointment of Paul Warner as the new executive director of the CfE marks an exciting new chapter for the Center and signals a renewed focus on providing students with the support and resources they need to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As the CfE continues to evolve under new leadership, students can look forward to even greater opportunities for growth and innovation within the entrepreneurial ecosystem at WSU.