Diane Durance, the leader of am early-stage advisory organization in Michigan, is the new director for UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
UNCW announced the selection Wednesday.
Durance begins the job on June 20.
“After a very competitive search process, I’m pleased to welcome Diane to the helm of the CIE,” said Ron Vetter, UNCW’s associate provost for research and dean of the graduate school, in the announcement. “She understands the challenges entrepreneurs face in the startup and growth phases. Her experience and expertise will help us continue to provide business start-ups the tools and resources to get off the ground and grow.”
Durance has spent the last 10 years working with startups. Her current position is president of MiQuest, a Michigan group that supports startups and emerging companies across that state.
A graduate of Southern Methodist University with undergraduate and masters degrees, Durance has also worked with the Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest ( predecessor to MiQuest) and also was president of the Ann Arbor IT Zone, a startup incubator.
“I’m excited to be joining the CIE and look forward to accelerating the growth of a dynamic, collaborative, and resource-rich entrepreneurial environment at UNCW and throughout the region,” Durance said in a statement. “I’m impressed by the work that has been done to establish the CIE and I’m eager to build on the strengths of its programs and relationships to support and increase the success of student, faculty and community ventures.”
The CIE launched in 2013.
Jim Roberts left the UCW post in March 2015.
