The Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship is thrilled to announce that our founding Dean, Donna Marie De Carolis, Ph.D., has been named one of the distinguished recipients of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2024 Fire Awards.
The Fire Awards celebrate individuals and businesses that are driving success and innovation locally. Dean De Carolis’ recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within the Philadelphia region.
A Pioneering Vision for Entrepreneurship Education
Donna De Carolis, the Silverman Family Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership, has been a transformative force in the field of entrepreneurship education. Her own journey, transitioning from a high school history teacher to a successful consultant, professor, and ultimately a university dean, embodies the very essence of innovation and reinvention that the Fire Awards champion.
As the founding Dean of the Close School, the nation’s first dedicated, degree-granting school of entrepreneurship, Dean De Carolis spearheaded a pioneering approach to this field. Her visionary belief in empowering all university students with an entrepreneurial mindset has redefined entrepreneurship as an attitude. This philosophy emphasizes innovative thinking and doing across all facets of life and career. This core principle has not only shaped the Close School’s curriculum but has also had a profound impact on the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Beyond the Close School: A Legacy of Leadership
Dean De Carolis’s influence extends far beyond the walls of the Close School. Throughout her distinguished career at Drexel University, she has been instrumental in promoting entrepreneurship education through various roles. These include Associate Dean and Management Department Head at LeBow College of Business, and Associate Vice-Provost for Entrepreneurship Education. Her leadership and dedication have significantly contributed to Drexel’s mission of fostering innovation, economic development, and societal well-being.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers
The 2024 Fire Award recognition underscores the lasting impact of Dean De Carolis’s work in igniting an entrepreneurial spirit within the region. Her unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship education continues to inspire both students and the broader community, driving success and innovation.
“Throughout my years at the Close School of Entrepreneurship, Dean DeCarolis was always a leader I admired,” says recent graduate, Sasha Cole. “Early into my time, I would notice her constant presence at events and speaking engagements. Her aura was elusive, yet approachable; a celebrity you’d always thought you’d love to meet. Dean DeCarolis is a strong leader who innovates constantly, furthering the ethos of the very school she founded. She empowers those around her, whether faculty throughout the school or the students who attend it. But most importantly, her radiating warmth is the fuel that drives a deep sense of community and caring into the Close School of Entrepreneurship.”
Looking ahead, Dean De Carolis is committed to further expanding the Close School’s reach and empowering the next generation of changemakers. We at the Close School wholeheartedly congratulate Donna De Carolis on this prestigious award and celebrate her unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship education. Her achievements pave the way for the Close School to continue cultivating entrepreneurial leaders who will make a meaningful difference in the world.
