In his new role, Analoui will be responsible for creating and sustaining an effective external network of collaborators to accelerate community engagement and economic development. He will work to expand innovation and entrepreneurship across the university, collaborating with internal stakeholders to create new programs and expand existing ones.

“Mostafa brings an extraordinary array of experiences in the support and development of entrepreneurial activities of students, faculty members and the community,” Liebowitz said. “He has an incredible breadth of interdisciplinary experiences that will be invaluable as we continue to build an innovation eco-system throughout the university.”

Analoui said having the opportunity to speak with a diverse group of faculty members, staff and leadership, including President Judy Olian, during the interview process was extremely valuable in helping him to understand Quinnipiac and its vision for the future.

“Learning about Quinnipiac’s broad commitment to expanding the entrepreneurial eco-system truly energized me about joining such an outstanding team,” Analoui said. “Quinnipiac has a very strong vision for the future, and I am delighted to be part of this journey.”

Analoui comes to Quinnipiac from Pickwick Capital Partners, where he served as managing director. He also was a research professor at the University of Connecticut, where he worked with the deans of the schools of engineering, medicine and agriculture to expand innovation, entrepreneurship and partnerships.

From 2016-22, he served as executive director of UCONN Ventures, which works to create new business start-ups using innovative technologies developed by the university’s faculty and staff.

Analoui has a doctorate in engineering from Purdue University. He also holds a master’s degree in engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Shiraz University in Iran.

"Dr. Analoui is an inspired choice for the Carlton Highsmith Chair of Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” said Holly Raider, dean of the School of Business at Quinnipiac. “He is an outstanding practitioner and educator whose impact on innovation and entrepreneurship in Connecticut and the region has earned him accolades. Dr. Analoui will expand Quinnipiac's programs and collaborative public-private partnerships, including community programs that build on the success of our partnership with ConnCORP in the Adult Entrepreneurship Academy."

Highsmith, vice chairman of the Quinnipiac Board of Trustees and retired vice chairman of PaperWorks Industries of Philadelphia, made a gift to the university in 2012 to create the endowed chair.