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Bart Sharp named McGrath Professor in College of Business

May 20, 2016
Barton (“Bart”) Sharp poses with Kristina and Michael (“Mike”) McGrath

Barton (“Bart”) Sharp poses with Kristina and Michael (“Mike”) McGrath

Barton (“Bart”) Sharp, associate professor of management in the NIU College of Business, will serve as the first Mike and Kristina McGrath Professor in Entrepreneurship.

Alumnus Michael (“Mike”) (B.S. Management 1970) and his wife, Kristina McGrath, created this professorship to increase and enhance entrepreneurship initiatives at the college.

Sharp joined the NIU faculty in 2008 after completing his Ph.D. at Purdue University.

Prior to that, he had a successful career in aerospace and aeronautical engineering. His research focuses on organizational-level learning, innovation and entrepreneurship in established companies.

“Our desire is to reward excellence in teaching, research and experiential learning,” McGrath said. “Bart Sharp represents everything we believe students should be receiving to enrich their experience and guide them to be successful entrepreneurs. We are delighted to support him in this way, and hope the Mike and Kristina McGrath Professorship will bring needed resources to this initiative.”

“This professorship allows us to expand and grow the program in many ways. I am delighted to recognize the McGraths because they are leaders and role models in philanthropy, community service and entrepreneurship,” said Denise Schoenbachler, dean of the NIU College of Business. “In supporting this professorship and Dr. Sharp, Mike and Kristina are ensuring our entrepreneurship program remains among the best programs in the world.”