E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor in Entrepreneurship

Ed G. Smith College of Business, University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL)

UMSL's Ed G. Smith College of Business is accredited by the world's premier business school accrediting organization, the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in both business and accounting; less than 2% of business schools worldwide have achieved this dual accreditation. The Princeton Review ranks the College in the top 3% of business schools in the nation. U.S. News and World Report continues to rank our international business program among America's top 25 and our Online MBA program is No. 33 in the nation. At UMSL Business, you join an empowering and inclusive community of problem-solvers known as a force for transformation in the St. Louis region and beyond.

The College and the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship play a crucial role in supporting the UMSL Entrepreneurship programs, which include a BSBA emphasis and a minor in Entrepreneurship. The recent establishment of the UMSL Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) highlights our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial activities through academic and co-curricular initiatives such as pitch competitions, student organizations, and startup workshops.

Position Description:

• The Department of Marketing & Entrepreneurship in the Ed G. Smith College of Business, University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is seeking to fill the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship in Entrepreneurship at the rank of full professor or senior associate professor. This endowed position requires a tenured faculty member with a distinguished record of research to support the continued success and growth of our entrepreneurship programs.

Candidates will be evaluated in the following areas:

Research:

• Candidates should have a strong record of research, demonstrable through existing publications in top-tier academic journals and an active research pipeline. Areas of interest include broad topics related to entrepreneurship and related areas. The ideal candidate will have a nationally recognized research profile in Entrepreneurship and will be expected to maintain a high-quality research agenda while mentoring junior faculty members in their research efforts.

Teaching:

• Candidates are expected to teach a variety of undergraduate and/or graduate entrepreneurship courses, such as experiential entrepreneurship, new product development, intrapreneurship, and small business management. This position offers the opportunity to serve as a lead faculty member in these programs and collaborate with the Director of UMSL EIC to develop hands-on educational opportunities for students and aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.

Service:

• High-quality service to the Department, College, University, and profession is expected. Preferred candidates will actively engage with regional or national entrepreneurial ecosystem stakeholders and participate in university entrepreneurial initiatives.

Engagement:

• The professor will engage the community to promote leadership opportunities for women at all levels of academic, entrepreneurial, cultural, and public service enterprises. The engagement may include the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Leadership, the Institute for Women's and Gender Studies, and the Des Lee Collaborative at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and other community partners.

Minimum Qualification

Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree in entrepreneurship or a related field by the time of appointment. Must have tenured status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong record of research with publications in top-tier academic journals.
• Teaching excellence in entrepreneurship and related areas, across undergraduate, masters, doctoral, and professional education.
• Collegiality and commitment to collaboration with colleagues, including mentoring junior faculty.
• Excellent communication and community engagement skills.

Evidence of service and leadership in professional associations.

Applicants should address all requirements by uploading the following:

1. A cover letter describing fit for the position across research, teaching, and service as described above;
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. Names/contact info of three references;
4. A statement of research interests;
5. Two sample publications (published or in progress);
6. A teaching philosophy statement and teaching evaluations.

The application and recommendation letters should address the research/teaching/service activities that define the candidate's area(s) of expertise and interest.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin October 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by video conference and finalists will be invited for a Campus Visit before an offer is made.

Contact: Dr. Perry Drake, Department Chair - Marketing and Entrepreneurship (drakep@umsl.edu) or Dr. Gerald Gao, Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Affairs (gaogy@umsl.edu).

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 2026 but will be accepted until the position is filled.

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for this position.

As the metropolitan, land-grant, research institution serving the most diverse and economically important region in Missouri, the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) delivers exceptional educational, research, and engagement experiences that inform, prepare, challenge and inspire.

About the Marketing & Entrepreneurship Department: The Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department at UMSL offers an innovative curriculum, high-impact research, and community involvement. In addition to publishing in top marketing and management publications, the department has gained regional and national recognition with initiatives such as the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference and the Anchor Accelerator.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.