Donna De Carolis, PhD

Dean, Silverman Family Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership

De Carolis is frequently called upon by local and national media for her expertise in small business and new venture creation. She is the founding dean of Drexel's Close School of Entrepreneurship. Previously in the LeBow College of Business, she served as an associate dean for graduate programs, leading all graduate and corporate programs for the college. In her previous role as associate dean for strategic initiatives, De Carolis was responsible for the oversight and strategic direction of the Centers of Excellence at the LeBow College of Business.

She is also responsible for the development of synergistic programs and initiatives within Drexel and with the business community at large.

De Carolis has researched, written and lectured extensively on various aspects of entrepreneurship, technology management and technology commercialization. Her areas of expertise are entrepreneurship and new venture creation, technology commercialization, strategic alliances and social capital.

In The News

Drexel ‘Doubling Down’ on Innovation With New Fund for University-affiliated Startups
Donna De Carolis, PhD, dean of the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, and Aleister Saunders, PhD, executive vice provost for Research & Innovation, were quoted in a Jan. 10 Philadelphia Business Journal story about Drexel launching a fund to support student and faculty startup companies.
How To Build a Home Business Support Group
Donna De Carolis, PhD, dean of the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, was quoted in a Dec. 8 Forbes story about how to build a home business support group.
"Innovation Can't Wait" with Jon Dorenbos
The Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship was featured in a Dec. 1 Philadelphia Style story for honoring former Eagle and magician Jon Dorenbos at its “Innovation Can’t Wait” fundraiser event. Donna De Carolis, PhD, founding dean of the Close School, was featured in the photos published.
How Women Entrepreneurs Can Get The Most Out of Crowdfunding
Donna DeCarolis, PhD, dean of the Close School of Entrepreneurship, was quoted in a June 19MarketWatch story about women entrepreneurs and crowdfunding.
8 Ways Women Entrepreneurs Can Use Crowdfunding Successfully
Donna De Carolis, PhD, was quoted in a June 10 Forbes story about ways women entrepreneurs can use crowdfunding successfully.
Women Entrepreneurs: Get Certified as a Woman-Owned Business
Donna De Carolis PhD, dean of the Close School of Entrepreneurship, was quoted in a March 16Forbes story about woman-owned businesses.
And the 2017 Stellar StartUps Finalists Are …
Donna De Carolis, PhD, dean of the Close School of Entrepreneurship, was pictured in a July 31 Philadelphia Inquirer story about the Philadelphia Media Network’s inaugural Steller StartUps award event. Boost Linguistics, a Drexel startup, was a finalist in the “students” category.
Donna De Carolis on Motherhood and the Workplace
Donna De Carolis, PhD, dean the Close School of Entrepreneurship, provided commentary about women, motherhood and the workplace for a KYW Newsradio segment May 8.

Related Articles

Drexel and University City Science Center Select Four Startups for Inaugural Raynier Seed Fund Cohort
Startups with an eye on supporting service organizations and improving equity and access to resources for mental health, technology and homeownership are among the first cohort that will receive funding from Drexel University and the University City Science Center’s Raynier Seed Fund for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs.
Former Eagles player and magician Jon Dorenbos with a deck of cards Former Eagle, Magician Jon Dorenbos Honored with Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship’s Inaugural Resilience Award
Drexel University’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship and the Arthur J. and Sandra K. Mattia Foundation will be honoring former Philadelphia Eagles player and magician Jon Dorenbos with the inaugural “Charles D. Close School Resilience Award” in recognition of his innovative thinking and perseverance.
image of a lit bulb on top of a table at which entpreneurs are seated at Drexel’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship Launches Three-Year Degree
With more than 60 percent of millennials wanting to own a business and 49 percent looking to start one within the next three years, universities are often the place where these young entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and guidance to turn their ideas into viable startup businesses.
Donna DeCarolis Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs Honors Drexel’s Donna De Carolis with Iris Newman Award
The Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs honored Donna De Carolis, dean of Drexel University’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, with its Iris Newman Award. De Carolis received the award at AWE’s annual gala on Nov. 16 at the World Café Live. The Iris Newman award is presented annually to a woman who exhibits a trailblazing spirit, inspiring leadership and stalwart support for women in the entrepreneurial community.