Paul Jerde, executive director, Deming Center for Entrepreneurship

Who keeps our university in top shape? It's the People Behind the Scenes! Meet Paul Jerde, executive director, Deming Center for Entrepreneurship.

What is one thing you would like people to know about the work you do?
One of my most rewarding and recurring experiences is the number of times that I"m introduced to someone and hear the reaction “Oh, the entrepreneurship center - I"ve been hoping to meet you! I have an idea, or a project, or a need for student involvement – and I"ve been told that you"ll be able to help!” It is this broadly held view that entrepreneurship is the place to go to help make things happen, to turn good ideas into good companies or programs or new alliances. And there is a great appreciation for the quality, energy and creativity of our students. In a nutshell, it is the regular opportunity to come in contact with people with ideas and energy to create something new, and for the Deming Center to be seen as the place those people want to go for help in pursuing their new idea or in accomplishing their dream.

What do you like best about being a part of the CU community?
Two things: I am continually invigorated by the remarkable knowledge and expertise of the people with whom I work, and by their strong commitment to the belief that their efforts count for something - that what they are doing and their hard efforts will make a difference.

I am also constantly amazed at the power of academic networks. Access to some of the brightest intellectual talent in the world is a phone call or email away.

What is your favorite activity/interest outside of work?
When I"m not enjoying family activities – I have several varied and diverse interests: reading, music, sailing and hiking are at the top of the list. Discussing corporate personnel and management issues with my oldest daughter, politics with my son, or helping my youngest daughter with her college physics class problems (now that fires some painful synapses!) are among my current agenda items.

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