Institute for Innovation and Economic Development

Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Economics and Finance Chair Mitch Hamm is Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the College of Business at the University of North Alabama. In this role, he is active in developing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across campus.  He helps in leading initiatives, including the creation of a Minor in Innovation Engineering, and launching the Generator, a student business incubator.  Currently he is the Co-Leader of the University’s Pathways to Innovation team, a collaboration of over 50 universities across the country, spreading Innovation and entrepreneurship in engineering degree programs.
     Mitch Hamm has more than 25 years of experience in technology, science, innovation, and management. Mr. Hamm was a consultant to several business and industry firms on environmental, IT, and entrepreneurial endeavors, especially regarding innovative approaches to solving strategic business issues. He has additional training from Eureka Ranch in Innovation Engineering, including Black Belt Certification, and is a graduate of the “Emerging Leaders Program” with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) MEP Program.  He has undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Environmental Science, and an Executive MBA from the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce. Mitch has served as President and Board member of several professional and civic organizations.