Faculty Director: McNair Institute for
Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise
The mission of the McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise is to inspire in
students an understanding and rich appreciation for the unique and essential role that
entrepreneurship and free enterprise play in wealth creation and economic opportunity. The
McNair Institute is funded by the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation which has funded
centers at multiple other universities across the nation on various aspects of entrepreneurship and
free enterprise.
The primary activity of the McNair Institute at the University of South Carolina (USC) is to
inspire in students a deep appreciation of how free enterprise and entrepreneurship serve as a
catalyst for economic growth in the United States and the world. Students first learn about what
it takes to become an entrepreneur, to start new companies, to discover new industries, and to
create new products. Real examples allow students to see how entrepreneurship has stimulated
job creation and economic growth. Students apply what they learn through assignments that spur
their own entrepreneurial creativity and allow them to envision their own entrepreneurial
enterprises. Through intensive exploration and study, students develop an excitement about
entrepreneurism and a sense of the economic opportunity it offers for them and for the national
and global economy. The academic activities of the Institute will culminate in an annual
Capstone Conference, where successful U.S. entrepreneurs will share with students their own
entrepreneurial experiences, focusing on the rich opportunities and important “first steps” for
entrepreneurs as the students begin their professional lives.
The Faculty Director will be responsible for all Institute academic activities and will report to the
Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost of the University of South Carolina.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
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Ensuring the Institute educates students about important economic issues facing the United
States, and equips them for entrepreneurship and understanding free enterprise;
Establishing metrics and goals around student engagement/involvement with Institute
activities, and implementing and analyzing course assessments that show how the course is
fostering student success; Expanding course reach through technology. To magnify the impact of the Institute, online
instructional technology will be utilized. Lectures by core faculty will be digitized and made
available to faculty across the USC eight-campus system along with workbooks,
accompanying educational materials, and digital Capstone Conference proceedings;
Submittal of the annual budget and other stewardship documents required by the McNair
Foundation detailing the Institute’s operations;
Developing course curricula and recommending curricular revisions/additions to the
academic leads of schools/departments presenting course materials;
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Teaching courses and stewarding applied entrepreneurial experiences for students;
organizing the Institute’s annual Capstone Conference;
Participate in conferences and meetings at the national level; and
Collaborate with directors and faculty of other McNair Centers.
QUALIFICATIONS: Preference will be given to professors who are familiar with or
interested in the full range of issues and topics that impact American economic competitiveness.
Preferred candidates will have previous private sector ownership or management experience.
Commitment to the educational needs of undergraduate students is essential. Managerial
experience with functional and cross-functional teams, an ability to work across academic
schools and departments, and experience in interdisciplinary curriculum development is
preferred. SALARY: Appointment to this position carries an appropriate administrative supplement
commensurate with the important work of the Institute. NOMINATIONS/APPLICATIONS: Letters of nomination/application containing a clear
statement of qualifications that meet the requirements of the position, a resume, evidence of
teaching and project management capabilities, and the names and contact information of three
references should be sent to the attention of Dr. Helen Doerpinghaus, Deputy Provost, Office of
the Provost, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC 29208; [email protected]. Review of
materials will begin November 1, 2016 and continue until the appointment is made.