Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
David Houglum, Ph.D., Director of Leadership
Robin D. Anderson, Ed.D., Franz Chair in Entrepreneurship
The Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation (the Franz Center) was established in 1998 through a generous seed endowment by Robert W. Franz. Cross-disciplinary activities of the Franz Center make a positive impact on students, faculty, alumni, and supporters of four professional schools and the College of Arts and Sciences of the University. The Franz Center forms partnerships with the Portland entrepreneurship community to offer programs on new venture creation, social entrepreneurship, not-for-profit entrepreneurship, global entrepreneurship, and innovation and technology management. The University of Portland's $100K Challenge is administered by the Franz Center. The Challenge designed to motivate and support University of Portland students in creating new world-class ventures. Participants form teams which are judged by panels of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and other successful professionals who evaluate the teams’ business plans and presentations. Investment capital and services may be offered to the finalists of the competition. This experience provides opportunities for hands on learning and the possibility of launching meaningful student led businesses.
The Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation is located in Franz Hall, Room 121, (503) 943-7769, franzcenter@up.edu.