Phil Shellhamer, an accomplished executive and serial entrepreneur, joined OEI in 2021 to oversee the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP).
Phil Shellhammer has been named the new director of the Office of University Entrepreneurship and Innovation, overseeing a team that is spearheading the transformation of Arkansas into a distinct destination for new businesses.
“Few programs in our region have had the impact and growth that OEI has had on our entrepreneurship ecosystem over the past few years,” Shellhamer said. “I am honored to have been asked to lead OEI to the next stage.”
“OEI is in for a big year as we build on the success of our current programs and build on opportunities for growth at the university, in our community, and across the state of Arkansas.”
Shellhammer replaces Sarah Goforth, who has led OEI since 2017. She will take up a new position at the U of A, to be announced at a later date.
Shellhamer, an Ohio native, is an accomplished manager and serial entrepreneur. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard’s School of Business.
Since launching GORP with four startups in spring 2022, 32 startups have scaled their businesses through GORP’s semi-annual cohort program. GORP has also supported over 300 entrepreneurs through a la carte services such as workshops, networking events, one-on-one consulting, and access to co-working spaces.
In 2023, OEI received a $1.2 million grant to expand the GORP program across the state and support founders creating innovative products and services within the outdoor recreation industry.
Shellhamer credits much of GORP’s influence to the team at OEI.
“GORP has had a significant impact on hundreds of early-stage outdoor recreation companies founded in our community,” he said. “This impact was only possible because of the amazing team at OEI.”
OEI’s programs go beyond the campus, said Mike Malone, UA’s vice president for economic development.
“Phil’s work leading GORP and supporting OEI’s strategic planning has had a tremendous impact on our students and our state. We are excited about all that will be accomplished under his leadership as executive director. doing.”
About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and manages innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students from all disciplines. OEI offers free workshops and programs including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions, and startup coaching through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio, Startup Village, and Bentonville Collaborative’s Greenhouse . His OEI, a division of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and Economic Development, also provides on-demand support for students who become innovators within existing organizations or entrepreneurs starting something new.
