Dan Freeman to lead Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

With approval from University of Delaware President Laura Carlson and Interim Provost Bill Farquhar, the University of Delaware's Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics has appointed Dan Freeman as director of the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, effective July 1, 2026.

The appointment coincides with the launch of the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a central component of the Lerner College's academic reorganization that takes effect July 1. The Book School builds on the nationally recognized foundation established through Horn Entrepreneurship and reflects the Lerner College's commitment to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning across the University.

"Dan has been instrumental in shaping entrepreneurship education at the University of Delaware," said Oliver Yao, dean of the Lerner College. "His visionary leadership, collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to student success have helped position UD as a national leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. He is exceptionally well suited to lead the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship into its next chapter."

Freeman has spent more than two decades at UD and has led entrepreneurship education initiatives for the past 15 years. He served as faculty director of the Entrepreneurial Studies Program before becoming the founding director of Horn Entrepreneurship in 2012. Under his leadership, Horn Entrepreneurship grew from a small academic initiative into a nationally acclaimed program supported by more than 30 faculty and staff members and offering a wide range of educational, new venture development and community engagement programs. Most recently, UD's undergraduate entrepreneurship program rose to Top 25 nationally and remained third in the Mid-Atlantic region in the 2026 Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine rankings.

An associate professor of marketing, Freeman joined UD in 2000 after earning a doctoral degree in marketing and a master's degree in communication from the University of Arizona. He also holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Grinnell College.

Throughout his career, Freeman has combined academic leadership with service to the broader community. His leadership experience includes serving as board chair of the Charter School of Wilmington, principal investigator on multiple grants and leader of numerous entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives at UD.

As director, Freeman will oversee the Book School's academic programs, faculty, staff and strategic initiatives, including Horn Entrepreneurship and the Venture Development Center and its student enrichment programs. He will also lead alumni engagement and fundraising efforts through grants, corporate sponsorships and individual giving. Freeman envisions the Book School as a catalyst for innovation at UD and beyond, helping students develop the entrepreneurial mindsets, skills and experiences needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world while strengthening the University's role as an engine of economic development and societal impact.

"The creation of the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship represents an exciting opportunity to build on UD's strengths and accelerate innovation with impact," Freeman said. "By fostering entrepreneurial thinking, facilitating the pursuit of new ideas and engaging in meaningful collaboration, we can help students discover their purpose, realize their potential and create positive change in their communities, organizations and industries."

Yao also expressed his appreciation to the search committee for its effective and enthusiastic work throughout the search process. The committee was chaired by Lerner's Sri Beldona, professor of hospitality business management, and included Adam Fleischhacker, associate professor of operations management; David Martin, Karl W. and Renate Böer Chaired Professor of Materials Science and Engineering; Duygu Phillips, assistant professor of entrepreneurship; Stephanie Raible, associate professor of entrepreneurship; Dan Smith, associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences, professor, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration; and Minda Watson, assistant director of Lerner's Career Services Center.