The Wayne B. Duddlesten Free Enterprise Institute at the C. T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston is a significant development in the support of aspiring entrepreneurs. Made possible by a generous $5 million gift from the Wayne Duddlesten Foundation, the institute will work in conjunction with the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship to provide expanded entrepreneurship training and resources for all students at the University of Houston.
The Wolff Center, a competitive cohort program that has been shaping business leaders for over two decades, has consistently ranked as the number one undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the country. However, the interest in entrepreneurship extends beyond the Wolff Center, with nearly 3,800 UH undergraduate students taking entrepreneurship courses across various majors. The establishment of the Duddlesten Institute aims to broaden the scope of entrepreneurship education to students from all colleges and departments at the University of Houston.
Karen Duddlesten, president of the Wayne Duddlesten Foundation and a UH graduate, emphasized the importance of diversifying entrepreneurship opportunities to a wider range of specialties. By doing so, the institute not only supports more individuals on their path to success but also contributes to the strength and diversity of the economy for future generations.
Wayne Duddlesten, a Houston native and UH graduate, was a trailblazer in commercial real estate and played a pivotal role in bringing the NBA’s San Diego Rockets to Houston in 1971. His financial acumen and vision led to the creation of the Summit arena, showcasing his commitment to innovation and growth. Before his passing in 2010, Duddlesten was actively involved in the University of Houston Foundation and the UH System Development Board, leaving a lasting legacy of support for his alma mater.
University of Houston President Renu Khator expressed gratitude to the Duddlesten Foundation for their continued support, highlighting the institute’s role in empowering individuals across the campus to turn their innovative ideas into tangible realities. The collaboration between the Wolff Center and the Duddlesten Institute will provide entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources for website development, and other essential services to nurture their business ideas from conception to market launch.
Dean Paul A. Pavlou of the Bauer College of Business emphasized the institute’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from idea generation to business launch. The institute’s focus on cross-specialty connections and collaboration across the campus will create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Houston.
The Wayne Duddlesten Foundation’s history of supporting the University of Houston includes previous donations for scholarships and educational initiatives. The foundation’s generous contributions have impacted numerous students across various disciplines, laying the foundation for future business leaders and innovators. With the establishment of the Duddlesten Institute, the foundation’s vision for fostering entrepreneurship and creativity continues to evolve, opening up new possibilities for business ventures and economic growth.
Led by Executive Director Charlene Slack, the Wayne Duddlesten Foundation is poised to make a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape at the University of Houston. The Duddlesten Institute is set to welcome its first cohort of students in 2024, marking a new chapter in the university’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering a culture of innovation and success.
