University startup pioneer Michael Young departs Washington University for Texas A&M.
Michael Young, president of Washington University, is set to move to Texas A&M University after three years bolstering university startups in Seattle.
Taking the helm of president at Texas, Young brings with him a strong track record for boosting campus entrepreneurship and commercialisation. Under his leadership, Washington has broken its record in spin-out generation two years running, achieving 18 new companies during the 2012/13 academic year.
Prior to joining Washington, Young oversaw an overhaul of Utah University’s commercialisation department, making startup generation a priority at the institution.
Bill Ayer, chair of Washington’s board of regents, said: “He [Young] has accomplished a great deal at the University, including a number of bold initiatives whose fruition will come after he is gone. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his leadership.”
Washington will soon announce an interim successor, with a permanent replacement to be revealed in the coming months.
