Alumnus Returns from Corporate America to Head Entrepreneurial Institute

Alumnus Henry H. Edwards (B.S.'69), a retail executive with more than 30 years experience, has been named the director of Howard University’s Institute for Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Innovation (ELI Institute). Funded through a $3.1 million entrepreneurship grant received in December 2004 from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City, Mo., the ELI Institute seeks promote entrepreneurship across disciplines. “Mr. Edwards has many attributes that made him an ideal candidate for the position of executive director. They include having been a successful executive, an alumnus of Howard University and a successful entrepreneur,” said Dean Barron H. Harvey, Ph.D., of the School of Business. “The most important aspect of his qualifications that made him a favorable choice is his steadfast commitment to African-American entrepreneurship.” An M.B.A. graduate of Harvard University, Edwards’ vast experience includes operations, marketing, human resources and organizational effectiveness. He comes to the University after serving as the vice president of organizational effectiveness at Ahold USA Inc., a $27 billion supermarket division of Ahold NV, the third largest European-owned retailer in the world.

Edwards

“Mr. Edwards, during his tenure in corporate American and beyond, has been committed to advancing entrepreneurship. Both the Institute of Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Innovation and Howard University will benefit from his leadership and commitment,” Harvey said.

In order to advance entrepreneurship, the ELI Institute will operate within four established centers. “The Institute is intended to be the intersection where the entrepreneurial philosophy, thinking, ideals, and approaches of every discipline meet to develop and implement a holistic strategy that maximizes the University’s impact on stimulating entrepreneurial thinking and behaviors on campus and throughout the extended community,” said Edwards. “The Institute will be the facilitator for this intersection of disciplines, and the results for this intersection will be manifested through four centers of excellence: Academic Programs, Research, Business and Community Development Programs, and Entrepreneurial Thought.”

“Mr. Edwards’ skills as an administrator and entrepreneur will greatly enhance the four components of the ELI Institute," Harvey added. "As a successful executive he will take a hands-on approach to getting the entire University community involved. Further, as a successful entrepreneur, he understands the importance of the Institute and its potential impact on future entrepreneurs.”

Edwards concluded: “The Institute for Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Innovation is Howard University’s vision of how it can provide an education and business environment that will enable the entrepreneurial spirit to strive among people of color in all walks of life.”

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ELI Institute

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