Washington University is seeking a new director for its Skandalaris Center, following Emre Toker's decision to step down next month.
Washington University in St Louis (WUSTL) launched a recruitment process yesterday to find the next director of its Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The appointee will replace the centre’s present head, Emre Toker (pictured), who will stand down at the end of December 2017. Toker had been appointed managing director in July 2014 and started the position a month later, joining from University of Arizona.
The Skandalaris Center oversees the university’s entrepreneurial initiatives and services, aimed both at projects from WUSTL and those from the wider St Louis ecosystem.
Among the centre’s responsibilities is the management of the $2m Greenleaf Eliot Seed Fund, a university venture fund launched in November 2016 to support spinouts primarily exploiting science, technology and medicine research.
Ralph Quatrano will act as interim director while Toker’s permanent successor is found. Quatrano is WUSTL’s special assistant for corporate engagement, with responsibility for promoting the university and St. Louis to industries and businesses.
A nine-person search committee led by Holden Thorp, provost and executive vice-chancellor for academic affairs at WUSTL, will oversee the recruitment process.
Thorp said: “Emre Toker has served the university extremely well for the last few years during an important time of growth for our entrepreneurship programs.”
“We are sad to see him go, but know we will keep the Skandalaris Centre’s momentum going and ensure that his many contributions will continue to take root here.”
– Image courtesy of Washington University in St Louis
